Aer Lingus deal could see return of LHR flights

Aer Lingus future at Shannon airport depends entirely on the profitability of the routes to and from the mid west airport. So says the Limerick Leader which reports that the airline would be better positioned to maintain and grow it's services at Shannon if it gets agreement on the €74m cost improvement program according to Aer Lingus Chairman Colm Barrington.

The remarks come in a letter from the airline's Chairman to Clare County Council following a plea by Sixmilebridge councilor John Crowe to Minister Noel Dempsey and the airline not to further cut services at Shannon.

If the airline gets the savings it wants it would 'consider anything' at Shannon including the return of the Heathrow service.

While the reinstatement of the LHR route would be more than welcome in the mid west, the gesture may not be that magnanimous after all - the Aer Lingus web site shows just 3 flights per day each way on the Belfast - Heathrow route, even at the holiday peak next summer - as opposed to the four each way which used to operate from Shannon. 

Which begs the question - is there a Heathrow slot looking for a home, even now ?