United Airlines has announced that it will launch a new five-times-weekly service between Shannon and Chicago from 7th June to 27th August 2013 (both dates westbound), subject to government approval, the new route is expected to generate 20,000 passengers at Shannon Airport.
The Shannon-Chicago flight, UA67, will depart Shannon daily except Wednesday and Thursday at 1100, arriving in Chicago 1305. The return flight, UA66, will depart Chicago daily except Tuesday and Wednesday at 1800 arriving in Shannon at 0730 the next morning.
The flights will be operated by Boeing 757-200ER aircraft with a total of 169 seats – 16 flat-bed seats in United BusinessFirst and 153 in United Economy, including 45 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and increased personal space.
The flight is scheduled to provide connections beyond Chicago to over 125 destinations across North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Mayor of Limerick Gerry McLoughlin said “I am delighted by United Airlines’ announcement and look forward to the airline playing a central role in the development of an independent Shannon Airport”.
Shannon Airport Director Mary Considine said “United Airlines has been a strong performer at Shannon since it commenced services here in 1998. It has successfully built a year-round customer base in the West of Ireland in the business and leisure sectors. This announcement is proof that United Airlines see further opportunities for growth at Shannon and we look forward to working closely with them on delivering those extra passengers”.
Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons said “We look forward to working closely with United to maximise the promotion of this new route. As an island, direct, convenient and competitive access services are critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism. Tourism Ireland is committed to working with United, Shannon Airport and other tourism interests to drive demand for this new service
United Airlines (formerly Continental) has been operating at Shannon since 1998, has so far carried over 1.4 million passengers through the airport and is set to exceed the 1.5 million mark by the end of 2013. The Chicago route was a regular service at Shannon since 1996 and was last operated in 2009 when Aer Lingus ceased its service.
However, there has been traditional strong demand for services to the “Windy City” with over 110,000 passengers travelling in 2007 when the route was then served by both American Airlines and Aer Lingus with 14 flights a week.
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 3rd October 2012 All Rights Reserved.
