RE - KIR, GWY
LOG - LDY, NOC
RE after LOG refusal - SXL, CFN
RE - 4, LOG - 2
Cullen announces PSO Contracts for Regional Air Routes
Transport Minister, Martin Cullen, T.D. announced today (26th May 2005) that following an EU Public Tender process, contracts to provide scheduled air services on the six Public Service Obligation (PSO) regional air routes have been secured by Aer Arann and Loganair. As before, the new contracts are for a three-year period, commencing 22 July 2005.
Aer Arann has been awarded contracts to continue operating scheduled services on routes linking Dublin with the regional airports in Galway, Kerry, Sligo and Donegal. The Scottish regional carrier Loganair has been awarded the contract for the operation of routes linking Dublin with Knock and City of Derry Airports.
Under the new PSO contracts, Aer Arann will provide three daily return services on the Galway and Kerry routes and two daily return services on the Sligo and Donegal routes. Loganair will provide two daily return services on the Derry route and one return service each day on the Knock route. Scheduled departure times on all routes will continue to enable passengers, particularly business passengers, to make same-day return journeys. As always, it remains open to the appointed air carriers to provide additional non-PSO services on the routes in question.
The total maximum contracted subvention for the three-year contract term on all routes will be €45.8 million.
Minister Cullen said: “The PSO programme is vitally important in providing essential air access to the regions. It enables Government to contribute to more balanced regional development by guaranteeing scheduled air services for tourism and business.
“Both Loganair and Aer Arann have provided a high quality service under the PSO programme to date and I am confident this will continue under these new contracts. The proposed new timetables will provide convenient flight times for business travellers and tourists and continued growth in passenger numbers at the regional airports is anticipated. The continuation of Government support for regional air services will have a very positive impact on regional development through increased economic activity, tourism and employment”, Minister Cullen concluded.