New air link announced between Chicago and the west of Ireland

Image: Flickr Creative Commons 

Good news for travellers: US-based airline United has announced a new non-stop summer service between Chicago-O'Hare and Shannon Airport.

The flights will run five days a week from 6 June until 26 August 2013.

The new route will be in addition to the daily service to Newark in New Jersey that United operate on a year-round basis at the west of Ireland airport.

Niall Gibbons of Tourism Ireland has welcomed the news, saying it will help boost tourism business from the important US market to the region:

As an island, direct, convenient and competitive access services are critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism. 

Tourism Ireland is committed to working with United, Shannon Airport and other tourism interests to drive demand for this new service, and all other services to the island of Ireland, and to help maintain our vital network of routes and services.

Image: Wikimedia Commons 

Shannon Airport says that there has been traditional strong demand for services to the 'Windy City', with over 110,000 passengers travelling in 2007 when the route was served by both American Airlines and Aer Lingus.

Airport Director Mary Considine says the announcement is proof that there is further opportunity for growth there:

This is a significant boost for Shannon Airport and we are delighted to have this new service on the transatlantic market. 

In this challenging business environment United Airlines’ decision shows the continued appeal of Shannon and the West of Ireland product, be that tourism or business. 

The service will be established just in time for 'The Gathering 2013', when Irish people who have moved away are being asked to 'come home' for a celebration next year.