Shannon to lose daily NY connectivity

Further details on Aer Lingus plans for Shannon have come to light following last night's meeting in Shannon where the airline's chief executive Chrostoph Mueller addressed employees. The direct Shannon - New York service will be terminated from early next year. Instead, a three times weekly Shannon - Dublin - New York service will be operated crewed by Dublin based staff. The remainaing 34 cabin crew in Shannon will be used to operate the three times daily Shannon - Heathrow service. 
Opposition party Fine Gael were quick to respond to the announcement. The party's DeputySpokesman on Foreign Affiars and local TD (MP), Pat Breen said that “The airline is effectively wiping out its trans-Atlantic base at the airport with three quarters of cabin crew set to lose their jobs. Once again Shannon staff are being scapegoated by Aer Lingus.
“I understand that bookings for the Shannon/New York service to the end of March 2010 are ahead of bookings on their Dublin/JFK service. This calls into question the decision by Aer Lingus to reduce its Shannon operations."
“Reducing the New York service to a thrice-weekly flight out of Dublin Airport will have serious consequences for the business and tourism sectors in the mid west. Daily connectivity to the US is essential to retain the region’s competitiveness,” added Mr Breen.