19 June 2009

Airport Opens Bridge To The World

Air travellers to and from Northern Ireland can now benefit from safer and more efficient boarding facilities - thanks to a half-million pound investment.

NI Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has today opened the new £500,000 passenger airbridge at Belfast International Airport.

It will be mainly used by the US based airline Continental Airlines, which has daily flights to and from New York.

Arlene Foster said: "This new airbridge coincides with the fourth anniversary of Continental Airlines' service to Northern Ireland and signals the company's ongoing commitment to the region.

"It is also part of a wider £10million investment programme at Belfast International Airport to improve facilities throughout the terminal, which in turn will improve the welcome afforded to visitors.

"In 2008, around 78% of tourists arrived into Northern Ireland by air," she said.

"This follows the work of the Air Route Development Fund which encouraged the development of new European and international air links.

"It is therefore very encouraging that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is working closely with the airport on a range of initiatives to enhance the greeting that tourists receive upon arrival," she said, noting this includes the provision of training to improve customer service.

"If Northern Ireland is to continue to grow its tourist numbers, it must offer a top class experience from the moment a visitor steps off the plane, collects their baggage, gets into a taxi, right through to their arrival at the hotel and beyond," she urged.

"The NITB is working hard to take advantage of these opportunities in order to influence the experience for visitors during their time here."

Speaking at Aldergrove today, John Doran, Managing Director of Belfast International Airport highlighted the ongoing £10million revamp that is taking place in the airport terminal.

"We are committed to enhancing the passenger experience, and indeed the tourist experience, as soon as you step on or off a flight at Belfast International Airport.

"It is with great pleasure that we celebrate with Continental Airlines their fourth year of flying from Northern Ireland, not only connecting NI to the Unites States but providing crucial access for US tourist to visit NI." he said.

Bob Schumacher, Continental Airlines' Senior Director UK and Ireland commented: "As the operator of Northern Ireland's only scheduled trans-Atlantic service, we welcome the addition of this state-of-the-art airbridge.

"We know our customers will appreciate the convenience and shelter it offers during boarding and disembarkation."

The Co Antrim facility at Aldergrove carries over five million passengers every year and employs over 5,000 staff.

The airport is currently embarking on a £10million revamp to reconfigure the terminal building bringing total investment to £35million over the last five years.

Apart from the US carrier, airlines operating from the airport include easyJet, Aer Lingus, bmibaby, Jet2.com and Thomas Cook serving.

They are serving around 80 direct destinations worldwide.

(BMcc/JM)