Cork update
Sounds as if Shannon is running rings around Cork even with the level playing pitch of open skies. ATL, PHL, JFK(EI and DL), BOS, ORD, EWR all operating from SNN in 2008 and Cork with a larger catchment area can't even get it self a single transatlantic route!
Of course those who make the journey by road to Shannon and then moan about the lack of flights to the US from Cork are only making it more unlikely that a direct service will ever materialise.
I take Brian's point about alliance hubs but it seems that airlines just don't want to pay the charges when the incentives run out. Both CSA and Malev had excellent load factors but left as soon as they had pay their own way. Overseas carriers need constant nurturing by airport mangement as like it or not Cork is only a dot on the map in their head offices.