THE number of British-based passengers connecting onto Aer Lingus transatlantic services has doubled over the last year as flyers take advantage of being able to pre-clear US customs in Ireland.
The news comes as Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, announced a 23 per cent increase passenger numbers for January, compared to the same period last year.
Almost 80,000 passengers flew with the airline in January - up from 65,000 in 2013.
Passengers flying to and from Dublin were also up 43 per cent as the airline’s Cork services saw a return to growth with an eight per cent increase.
Aer Arann Commercial Director Simon Fagan said: “These numbers are very encouraging, especially when you consider the challenging weather conditions across Ireland and the UK in January. Our focus on providing high frequency services, adding routes to the network and investing in a new aircraft fleet is resonating with passengers.”
Mr Fagan described the volume of advanced sales from British destinations to the United States as “very encouraging”.
“Passengers are responding to the benefits of being able to pre-clear US customs and immigration at both Dublin and Shannon airports,” he said
Aer Arann will start its new Cork to Newcastle route next month, while a new route from Shannon Bristol will also commence. There are also plans to grow existing routes from Dublin, Mr Fagan said.
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