The British airline bmi has played down reports that it is close to signing a deal to take over the Shannon Heathrow route from which Aer Lingus announced its withdrawal earlier this month.
The chairman of Shannon Airport Authority Pat Shanahan confirmed that the airport is in negotiation with a number of airlines, including bmi.
However, he said it would take several weeks for a final decision to emerge.
Earlier this month, bmi chief executive Nigel turner said his airline was unlikely to replace Aer Lingus in Shannon.
However, he added that if Shannon airport came up with some support, bmi would examine any package closely.
A newspaper report today in the Limerick Leader suggests that the airport and bmi are on the verge of a deal.
However, a bmi spokesperson played down the report, saying it was far too early to talk of launching a new route.
The company said it was fully committed to the Irish marketplace but doesn't comment on potential route development.
Shannon Airport Authority chairman Pat Shanahan confirmed that the airport is in negotiation with several airlines including bmi - but said it could take several weeks for a decision to emerge.
He was in Brussels with a midwest delegation meeting EU transport and competition officials.
They were discussing potential route support schemes and incentives that might be permissible for Shannon.
Those incentives could prove crucial in attracting a replacement for Aer Lingus.
