Aer Arann has been re-awarded four Public Service Obligation regional air routes by the Transport Department. The airline will continue to operate scheduled services on routes linking Dublin with the regional airports in Galway, Kerry, Sligo and Donegal.
Scottish regional carrier Loganair has been awarded the contract for the operation of routes linking Dublin with Knock and City of Derry airports. Aer Arann had previously serviced the Knock route.
The new PSO contracts, which will last for three years, will receive €45.8m in subvention funding. Aer Arann will provide three daily return services on the Galway and Kerry routes and two daily return services on the Sligo and Donegal routes.
Loganair will fly two daily return services on the Derry route and one return service each day on the Knock route.
'The PSO programme is vitally important in providing essential air access to the regions. It enables Government to contribute to more balanced regional development by guaranteeing scheduled air services for tourism and business,' commented Transport Minister Martin Cullen.
