Cork may not get the pre-clearance facility, but in a liberalised bilateral environment, there's no reason why it shouldn't get direct flights. As to not being able to fly to all airports, as will be possible from DUB/SNN, that may be academic, because the airlines likely to fly to ORK will be US 757 operators, such as Delta (which will soon be acquiring winglet equipped 757s), CO and AA, although I think CO would be most likely.
Considering FR's mode of operation, to secondary airfields with fewer facilities, this development would no doubt be of immense interest and you can see how the confluence of all of these different factors is freaking the hell out of US carriers and BA/VS. That's why I am very anxious that the govt steps back and tries to look at our interest, as a country; there is a very great danger that in a trying to silence the hysteria of the unions, they may end up cutting off our noses to spite Ryanair.
Bear in mind also that if the likes of BA buy into EI, then wouldn't that undermine the regulatory basis for EI transatlantic flight, because it would create questions about its ownership - not trying to be paranoid, but that would suit some of those who oppose increased transatlantic access ex-Ireland. And if the govt were instrumental in trying to arrange this (even offering to trade LHR slots), wouldn't that be something - particularly after questioning the Irishness of Ryanair!
Last edited by akerosid; 9th Oct 2006 at 06:16.
Reason: Additional point re-BA