New Air Service between Belfast and Galway takes off

The first flight between Belfast International Airport and Galway operated by Manx2 left the Aldergrove runway on Monday July 5.

Designed to stimulate commerce and tourism between the two cities, the service now operates on a twice daily basis with 18 flights per week, including a full service on Sunday evenings.

'Important Airlink' Should Benefit Business Communities

Manx2.com Chairman Noel Hayes said: "We have enormous confidence in the long term prospects for the island of Ireland and are confident in expanding our award winning Celtic services from Belfast. This important airlink should really benefit the business communities and increase accessibility to the huge marketplace in the West of Ireland.

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"Our frequent schedule re-opens direct air links between Ireland's second and fifth largest cities, eliminating a 5 hour road or rail journey and giving invaluable encouragement to business and leisure passengers travelling between these great cities and their surrounding areas."

Mr. Hayes said 'following extensive research' the airline believed the new route would suit business and leisure travellers.

"Our one-hour flights will mean the business traveller can now get to Galway and back the same day and we believe this sort of economic stimulus will really help the economy recover," he said.

"Belfast is also such a cosmopolitan city today, with great shopping and leisure facilities while the benefits of a cheap pound should encourage many northbound shoppers. For southbound travellers, the world famous Galway Races and Galway Oyster Festival will be just a short hop away."

Airport Delighted at Manx2 Announcement

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Belfast International Airport Business Development Director, Uel Hoey, said: "We are delighted that Manx2.com is to introduce our first inter-Ireland route. This brings greater choice and connectivity to the island market.

"Belfast International operates scheduled and charter services to almost 80 destinations and, clearly, the new Galway route opens up new opportunities for West of Ireland passengers. The service is a valued addition to our range of routes and one that we think will prove popular with both the business community and the leisure traveller."

The Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), Alan Clarke, said: "It is great news for tourism in Northern Ireland that Manx2 have introduced a direct service from Belfast International to Galway.

"The opening up of more routes means that there's a greater ease of access for visitors from the Republic of Ireland. This is one of our key markets and last year we were delighted to see a huge increase in the number of visitors from the Republic.

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"These visitors arrived, not only because of the great value for money on offer, but also because of the huge range of things to see and do here. I wish Manx2 luck for future business and look forward to welcoming even more visitors."