News of restored services between Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) and Gatwick in London marks the fifth route lauch this year at the airport, and sees it more prepared than ever to capitalise on its links with a major international hub.
The axing of two Gatwick services last year saw IWAK lose a quater of its passengers in one fell swoop, but now XL.com, the UK's third largest travel provider is set to restore the connection to an airport with links to 410 destinations world wide.
Suspension of the flights last year was a major blow for the airport.
With Gatwick acting as a hub airport for long haul international flights, the lack of service to Ireland West Airport not only affected travellers to the UK but those travelling long distances.
By comparison with the furore over the loss of the shannon-Heathrow link, the blow to the West went almost unnoticed at national leve.
But airport bosses at Knock began work on finding a replacement airline immediately and XL.com saw the oppertuinity.
"It comes as very welcome news not only for our airport and people in Ireland and London but for business and tourism interests in the West and North West of Ireland" Chief Executive at the airport, Robert Grealis told the Western People.
According to Councail for the West Chairman, Sean Hannick, the Gatwick route reaffirms Knock as the best infrastructrual asset in the West.
"The airport is the main connectivity asset and it's well placed in the centre of Connacht".
With new airlines on the books, a 20- year plan and new structures introduced, bosses at Ireland West Airport are well prepared.
While CEO of the airport, Robert Grealis will concentrate on attracting airlines,former Managing Director of the airport, Liam Scallon has been appointed as Group Managing Director.
A business park, which s at the concept stage, is part of his plan.
Meanwhile, Deputy Beverly Flynn and Deputy John O'Mahony say the Mayo Airport must be central to the future of National Air Transport Policy.
Deputy O'Mahony said Knock has shown itself to be proactive in developing its business and said the new Gatwick route was further evidence of that.
Speaking in the Dail on the Shannon/Heathrow link, Deputy Flynn agreed that companies in the Shannon basin needs connectivity for their survival buy insisted there are scores of companies from Donegal to Sligo and Mayo to Galway, which are equally in need of connectivity if they are to survive.
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22/11/2007
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