Manx2.com is set to launch flights between Cork and Galway from July 2010, 'taking the Manx message into Ireland'.
Designed to reconnect Cork, Ireland's second largest city, with Galway in the heart of the West, Manx2.com will operate 14 flights a week between the cities.
The flights are set to improve connectivity between Cork and Kerry and the West of Ireland by reducing travel times from three hours to just 40 minutes. Cork Airport also offers superb international air connections for inbound passengers from the West of Ireland.
From Friday 1st July, two return flights will operate every week day with a late flight on Friday night and Sunday nights at 2000 in addition to earlier 1605 departures.
The news of this launch is the first of Manx2.com’s expansion plans into Ireland and is seen as a huge boost for business, tourism and leisure in Cork and Kerry.
The announcement comes following repeated calls from Manx2.com for the Isle of Man Government to develop a long term aviation strategy for the Island.
The company made the request in the face of six airlines ceasing operations from Ronaldsway Airport in the last three years.
Chairman Noel Hayes said, "We have great confidence in the long term future for the Irish economy and are delighted to bring our award-winning Manx service to communities throughout the South and West of Ireland.
"With 14 flights per week, we are improving connectivity between the Cork and Kerry and bringing the many attractions of Galway and the West within easy reach and in turn, we are hoping to stimulate commerce and tourism in both these regions.
"I hold the view that as long as the Isle of Man Government sticks blindly to an open skies policy, with no controls of any form, the Island's air strategy will be determined largely by what FlyBe, Aer Arann and EasyJet decide to do with their aircraft.
"The Isle of Man is therefore unable to implement a cohesive, long term strategic plan as it has no control over what these airlines do.
"For the foreseeable future we’ll now be looking to take the Manx message into new markets and bring profits back to the Island’s treasury".
Welcoming Manx2.com’s decision to commence operations from Cork to Galway, Kevin Cullinane, Aviation Marketing Manager at Cork Airport, said, "It gives me great pleasure to welcome Manx2.com to Cork Airport.
"The addition of this new route will assist the economic, tourism and social interaction between our two great cities and enhance the prospects of attracting significant investment to the regions via the Cork and Galway gateways."
Tickets are on sale now and are available from www.manx2.com
Pictured (l-r): Tony Gibson, SATCO/Aerodrome Manager, Galway Airport; Michael Moloney, Marketing Manager, Galway Airport; Councillor Tom McHugh, Mayor of County Galway; Noel Hayes, Chairman, Manx2.com; Dylan Evans, Operations Manager, Manx2.com; Declan McDonnell, Mayor of the City of Galway & Galway Airport Board Member; Fiona Monaghan, General Manager, Failte Ireland; West and Joe Walsh, Managing Director, Galway Airport.
