US Airways begins service to Dublin and Shannon

US Airways has launched two daily direct flights from Philadelphia to Dublin and Shannon adding a further 72,000 seats to the US.

This is the first time that US Airways has flown into the Republic with tourism chiefs expecting it to boost visitor numbers this year.

The first flight on this new route will arrive in the Republic today and it is the first time that the Philadelphia catchment area has been opened to Irish tourism. From the city, passengers will be able to make connections to up to 40 other US destinations using this daily service. It is scheduled to continue until October 25th this year.

Mr Paul O'Toole, Tourism Ireland chief executive, said the service creates a new gateway from the US into the Republic. "It presents a host of exciting opportunities to promote Ireland as a safe and fun holiday destination. The timing is good, consumer confidence is improving in the US and there is business to be won. We look forward to working with US Airways to fully exploit this new market."

The tourism industry has been concerned about the reduction in access from the US to the Republic last year when some 20 per cent of airline seats were cut on this route. Mr O'Toole, said the new service provides a great boost to the tourism industry.

Tourism Ireland is also preparing to implement a broader marketing initiative to attract tourists with a €2 million recovery campaign. This had been postponed in spring as it coincided with the start of the Iraq war when consumer confidence was at its lowest. Mr O'Toole said consumers are now beginning to think about booking holidays again and it is timely for it to step-up its marketing efforts.

Mr Douglas Leo, vice-president of US Airways International said it was pleased to add Dublin and Shannon to its European destinations.

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr John O'Donoghue, welcomed the new service. "US Airways has recognised Ireland as an interesting destination with many diverse attractions and facilities and it is a marvellous vote of confidence in our tourism product. The importance of the North American market cannot be overestimated - it is the island of Ireland's second biggest market after Britain, and is the highest yielding in terms of consumer spend."

The Minister added that the US tourist market was of vital importance to many sectors of the industry including serviced accommodation, car rental and regional tourism enterprises. "Given that Tourism Ireland in the US is reporting a steady pick up in enquiries over the past few weeks, this new service couldn't come at a better time," he said.

The US Airways service will be operated using a 204-seat Boeing 767 aircraft which can accommodate 24 business class and 180 economy class passengers.