Shannon Airport is 'United' with Transatlantic airline on its centenary

SHANNON Airport has hosted a special event to mark its long-term partnership with United Airlines.

It comes as the carrier marks its centenary year having first taken to the skies in 1926.

Passengers travelling on its non-stop Shannon–Newark/New York service joined the celebration, enjoying refreshments and music at their departure gate.

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It was 28 years ago, in 1998, when the Chicago-based airline first flew out of Shannon, to link the area up with USA.

This summer, it will fly once-a-day between the local airport and United Airline’s hub at Chicago O’Hare Airport.

It also flies daily to New York/Newark Airport.

Since 1998, more than two-and-a-half million passengers have jumped on United flights across the Atlantic.

Niall Kearns, airport director of Shannon Airport, said: “The occasion was an opportunity to acknowledge a partnership that has delivered lasting benefits for the region. United’s services have played a crucial role in maintaining strong transatlantic links and supporting economic activity across the west of Ireland.”

The Shannon Airport Group said it welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the strength of its relationship with United Airlines and looks forward to continuing the collaboration in the years ahead.