Passenger growth between Kerry Airport & Dublin presents good case for continuation of PSO beyond 2014
PASSENGER numbers from Kerry Airport to Dublin have increased by 22% so far in the second half of this year compared to the same period in 2012 with November being particularly busy, showing an increase of 27% on last year.
A commitment to maintain the low-cost fare of only €44 each way, coupled with the major reduction in journey time when travelling from Dublin by air versus road or rail to major tourism destinations in Kerry such as Killarney, Dingle and Tralee, has helped to boost confidence in the route.
The service from Kerry to Dublin is the second best on the overall Aer Lingus Regional network for on-time departures and, running at 77%, it is currently above target.
The Chairman of Kerry Airport, Denis Cregan, said: “The strategic focus in 2014 needs to concentrate retaining the PSO and this can only be achieved by a further growth in passenger volumes next year. Growth will only be achieved by being consistent in the delivery of an efficient, on-time and value-for-money service with the benefits to tourists of connectivity to destinations in North America. We welcome the steady rise in the number of passengers flying between Kerry and Dublin with a projected 12-month increase in 2013 of 7% compared to 2012.”
The current Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract between Aer Arann and the Government is due to expire in 2014 and, while Kerry Airport is not party to the agreement, Denis Cregan said the continuation of the PSO-aided service is of vital importance to the county.
“The continuance of, or preferably, increase in the current level of service 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,” he said.
Passengers are not required to Check-in Online when flying between Kerry and Dublin as this can be done at the airport prior to departure, while a dedicated Fast-Track system at Dublin Airport adds to the convenience.
Connections to airports in the United States have also increased with volumes nearly doubling over the 10 month period from January to October 2013. Passengers can book flights between Kerry and New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando and new routes to San Francisco and Toronto are now available for sale with flights commencing in 2014.
A number of towns in Kerry are key destinations on the Wild Atlantic Way and Kerry Airport’s connectivity role will help both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland in their efforts to attract more visitors from the United States and Canada in 2014.
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 2014) with Ryanair and to Dublin with Aer Lingus Regional.
For more information about flight schedules, parking facilities and car rental, visit www.kerryairport.ie.
Ends
Issued by John Drummey Communications on behalf of Kerry Airport
For further information please contact John Drummey on +353-87-7909487 and info@JohnDrummey.ie
Repro-free images available from Domnick Walsh on info@dwalshphoto.ie or +353-87-2672033
