Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise transatlantic flights from Cork Airport, or more to the point, the lack of them. We have a service at the moment from Norwegian Air, which is a very positive step for the region. We have three flights a week which are 90% full. That has meant a lot for the tourism industry in the southern region. Unfortunately, on 7 October, Aer Lingus stated it has no plans at the moment to launch a transatlantic service from Cork Airport. We have seen the increased visitor numbers in the southern region, in particular from the US, due to transatlantic flights. We need to promote the region in the north American market in particular, and it is unfortunate for the national airline, Aer Lingus, to state it has no plans to step into this market. Currently, 90% of the flights leaving Cork are full. Norwegian Air has tapped into the potential that exists, but we need to promote the area more and ensure that Aer Lingus comes on board.

In many ways the low-hanging fruit of Dublin Airport has been the major driver for Aer Lingus. The airline is using Shannon Airport to a degree, but it is all about Dublin. We must expand and look at other regions, especially the southern region. Aer Lingus has a remit to look at that. It is providing a limited service at the moment to Europe, which can be enhanced. Senator Colm Burke has done great work in showing how out of step the fares Aer Lingus is offering from Cork are with its fares from Dublin. We must redress the balance and get transatlantic flights into Cork. We need Aer Lingus to come on board. It is important that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport would come to the House to have a debate about aviation and how we can promote all regions in the country.