asked the Minister for Transport the results of his recent negotiations regarding the over-flying of Shannon Airport by Aer Lingus and the possible curtailment of charter flights from the United States to Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Overflying of Shannon Airport.
25.
Consultations between the Irish and United States aviation authorities took place in Dublin on 27 and 28 September. The delegations reviewed developments in the US-Ireland market since the last round of talks in Washington in March 1980 with particular reference to the 1982 market experience and prospects for 1983.
Both sides reaffirmed their mutual desire to provide the framework for comprehensive, reliable year-round air services at the lowest possible economic prices to meet the growing needs of trade, commerce and tourism between the two countries. At the same time they acknowledged the significant role of charter services in meeting market demands, particularly in peak periods. The two delegations expressed their concern about the substantial losses sustained by airlines on transatlantic operations in recent years. The Irish delegation referred to the Government's recent decision that Aer Lingus should continue to provide a service on the North Atlantic and also indicated the Government's concern at the level of losses incurred by the company on transatlantic services in recent years. Both sides acknowledged the special characteristics of the US-Ireland market, including its seasonality and the preponderance of low yield traffic which created difficulties for the operation of year-round scheduled services on a viable basis.
The Irish and US delegations noted with satisfaction the progress made by the United States and the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) in providing, through the recently concluded Memorandum of Understanding, a basis for a more viable scheduled air transport system on the North Atlantic, while establishing a stable framework for airlines to respond more readily to the needs of the travelling public.
Information was exchanged on possible market developments in 1983 and arrangements were made to monitor the situation on a continuing basis and to meet again for a further review before the end of the year.
The question of overflying Shannon Airport or the question of a reduction in the number of charter flights using Shannon did not arise at these discussions.