asked the Minister for Transport and Power what proposals, if any, concerning development are under consideration by Aer Rianta and Aer Lingus.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aer Linte and Aer Lingus Development Schemes.
24.
Aer Rianta does not directly operate airlines and its main functions are that of a holding company and as my agent for the management of Dublin Airport. The Company has the development of the Airport under constant review. At present the Company has a major project on hands in the provision of a hangar for jet aircraft. It is expected that the hangar will be completed by December, 1960, by which time Aerlinte will be operating jet aircraft. Most of the new construction works at Dublin Airport are, however, carried out by my Department. Works at present in hands include the construction of a terminal for the new air-car-ferry service, which will be opened next month. Other work includes the lengthening of two runways to accommodate the larger aircraft now being used by airlines operating at the Airport.
Aer Lingus has decided to open three new routes in the immediate future, namely Shannon-London, Dublin-Cherbourg and Dublin-Leeds-Bradford. In furtherance of their sales development programme, the Company intend to open sales offices at Frankfurt, Zurich and possibly at certain other centres. A flight despatch office has recently been opened by the Company at Shannon and their existing handling services there will shortly be extended.