United Airlines this morning inaugurated its new seasonal Shannon to Chicago O’Hare hub service from 6th June to 28th August, UAL66/7 was operated by N19117 Boeing 757-224/W c/n 27559. The new route is expected to generate 20,000 additional passengers through the airport.

Shannon Airport Chairperson Rose Hynes said “We are delighted to welcome United Airlines today with this service, which is a huge boost to the tens of thousands annually who travel between the west of Ireland and Chicago.  These passengers can now avoid unnecessary transit times by flying directly into and out of the region itself through Shannon Airport.  Outbound passengers will also have the advantage of clearing Customs and Border Protection services at Shannon, which will also save them significant time on arrival in the US.  No other country in Europe has an airport with this facility.”

United Airlines Vice President Atlantic & Pacific Sales James Muller said “We are pleased to provide United customers with nonstop access to Chicago from the west coast of Ireland for the first time.Having operated our Shannon-New York/Newark service successfully for 15 years, this new route will further benefit our customers in Ireland, offering faster access to one of the United States’ most popular business and tourism destinations as well as increased travel options throughout the Americas.”

The Chicago route was a regular service at Shannon since 1996 and was last operated in 2009 when Aer Lingus ceased its service. United Airlines operates fives times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. UAL66 departs Chicago O’Hare at 1805 arriving Shannon Airport 0705, UAL67 departs Shannon Airport 1100 arrives Chicago O’Hare 1305.

Irish Aviation Research Institute © 7th June 2013 All Rights Reserved