MANAGEMENT and staff at Kerry Airport have welcomed today’s announcement from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohoe, that he has decided to retain the Public Service Obligation (PSO) Kerry-Dublin route.
The Chairman of Kerry Airport, Denis Cregan, said: “The continuation of the PSO-aided service is of vital importance to the county and in particular for maintaining the vital link of the County to the Capital for business and tourism interests. The retention of the service has been achieved due to a steady increase in passenger numbers on the route over the past 12 months and an expectation of further growth in volumes into 2015. We are grateful for the support of the business and tourism sectors throughout Kerry and the proactive stance taken by the county’s public representatives in the Dáil as their combined efforts played a key role in influencing the Minister’s decision.”
Passenger numbers from Kerry Airport to Dublin increased by 22% in the eight months to October 2014 and a commitment from Aer Lingus Regional to maintain the low-cost fare of only €44 each way has helped to boost confidence in the route.
It is anticipated that the current flight operation will continue consisting of a twice daily service departing Kerry at 7.30am and 12.30pm Monday to Saturday and 9am on Sunday and departing from Dublin at 11.10am and 7pm Monday to Sunday.
Connections to airports in the United States and Canada have also increased with volumes nearly doubling over the past year while passengers can book flights between Kerry and New York, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco and Toronto with Aer Lingus.
Kerry Airport also offers seamless connection to the Asia/Middle East/Australia with Etihad Airways.
Bags will automatically be transferred, allowing passengers travelling to the USA time to complete their emigration & customs checks at Dublin Airport.
Passengers can enjoy generous Bag Allowances without charging Boarding Card Issue Fees while the Smartphone Mobile Board Pass facility is also now up and running.
The current PSO contracts on the Dublin-Kerry route is due to expire on 31st January 2015 and the new combined contract will operate from 1st February 2015 until 31st January 2017. This contract may be extended for a further period of a maximum of one year, following the initial two year period, subject to a satisfactory review undertaken after the initial period of 18 months of operation.
Following an EU public tendering process the Minister announced that Stobart Air has been successful in securing the tender to provide scheduled air services on the route, subject to a contract being put in place.
Kerry is one of the most remote of the regional airport network from Dublin and continuation of the PSO air services promotes balanced regional development for the area.
“The continuance of the PSO is of utmost importance to the local industry and tourist interests and the value to the county is well known and understood by all who have used these services over the past 10 years,” said Denis Cregan.
Kerry Airport is ideally located for anyone wishing to travel on business or pleasure with direct flights to seven destinations including: London Stansted, London Luton, Frankfurt-Hahn, Alicante & Faro (summer 2015) with Ryanair and to Dublin with Aer Lingus Regional.
For more information about flight schedules, parking facilities and car rental, visit www.KerryAirport.ie.
