It's hoped a new route from Knock Airport to London Heathrow will encourage US travel to the west and Northwest
Aer Lingus has announced the service which will start on March 26th and will operate daily.
The airline says the new route will replace the current service to London Gatwick, which will cease operations on March 25th.
Marekting and Communications Manager at Ireland West Airport Donal Healy is welcoming the news and he sees it as a key opportunity to boost inbound tourism to the west.
Speaking to Shannonside FM Donal encouraged people from the region to use the new service.
''It's a service to Heathrow that we've been trying to secure for the region for a number of years. We would have been lobbied quite extensively by the business community in the area in the West and Northwest looking for the connectivity that Heathrow provides. It will also drive inbound tourism from the likes of the US into the West and Northwest. For our Longford listeners there and for businesses in the region we would encourage them to support this Heathrow service, which will lead to extra capacity with Aer Lingus and inevitably lead to further routes.''
