Hope for US flights

Knock CEO has high hopes for transatlantic flights

Anton McNulty

THE Chief Executive of Ireland West Airport Knock has backed the airport’s transatlantic service – despite accepting that the service was at times ‘disastrous’ last summer, and has confirmed that they are in talks with a view to restarting the transatlantic service next year.

Last summer, Flyglobespan, the Scottish airline which provided transatlantic flights from Knock to New York and Boston, were heavily criticised for leaving close to 200 passengers destined for Knock stranded in JFK airport in New York for three days. Many tourists were unable to make the trip to Knock and it put into question the reliability of the Scottish carrier.

Mr Robert Grealish, CEO of IWAK, said they continue to have high hopes for the transatlantic service and will resume again next summer. He admitted that the service operated last year by Flyglobespan was at times ‘disastrous’. Mr Grealis added that the airport was seeking a reliable, value-for-money service to New York and Boston, but a repetition of what happened last summer could not be allowed to happen.

Meanwhile, there was good news for Mayo’s many legions of Celtic fans after it was announced that IWAK are expanding their service to the UK by flying to Glasgow International Airport. The three times a weeks service will be operated by bmibaby, who also operate existing routes to Manchester and Birmingham. It is expected that the expansion of bmibaby at Knock will generate a potential increase of 45,000 passengers at the airport.

Mr Grealis welcomed the announcement of the new route and looked forward to welcoming thousands of Scottish tourists and continuing the strong links between Glasgow and was delighted to strengthen their existing relationship with bmibaby.

The first flight from Knock commences on February 12, 2008 and fares will start from just €17.99 one way including tax and charges.