The Minister for Transport Martin cullen welcomed the draft agreement between the EU and the United States which opens up the possibility of restrictions on transatlantic flights between the US and Ireland being lifted.
Mr Cullen said the move was a good day for Irish tourism, avaiation and the economy.
The Open Skies deal will be put before EU transport ministers at a meeting in Brussels on March 22 nd. If passed, it could mean that Aer Lingus and other airlines could operate routes from Dublin, Cork and Shannon to an unlimited number of cities in the US. However, the deal would also see the phasing-out of the Shannon stop-over.
At present Aer Lingus is limited to serving just four cities in the USA - New York, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Mr Cullen said the draft agreement offers new opportunities for Irish airports and Aer Lingus. ''I am delighted with the progress that has been made this week by the European and American negotiating teams. This is a wonderful opportunity for countries on both sides of the Atlantic," he said.