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27/05/2005
First flight from New York to Belfast touches down
The first ever non-stop scheduled air service between New York and Belfast has touched down at Aldergrove this morning.
The new route, operated by Continental Airlines between Belfast and Newark airport, was made possible through a joint investment by Air Route Development (NI) Ltd, (a subsidiary of Invest NI) and Belfast International Airport.
Speaking at the airport this morning, Enterprise Minister Angela Smith said: “This is a very significant development and tremendous news for business travellers and tourists alike. It is also a wonderful expression of confidence in the future of Northern Ireland.
“Later today I will travel to the Giant’s Causeway to reveal the latest plans for the development of our number one tourist attraction – today is indeed an historic day for Northern Ireland’s tourism industry.”
Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of NITB, said: "The impact of direct access to Northern Ireland for American tourists cannot be overestimated. Last year US visitor numbers increased by one-fifth to 100,000, and by 2007 we aim to increase that to 145,000.
“This is a symbol of future growth potential and a great confidence boost for Northern Ireland tourism. Direct access from New York will certainly help us achieve this ambitious target."
Air Route Development (NI) Ltd was established in September 2003 as a subsidiary of Invest Northern Ireland.
The Board of the company is chaired by Invest NI Board member Bill McGinnis.
(MB/SP)
The new route, operated by Continental Airlines between Belfast and Newark airport, was made possible through a joint investment by Air Route Development (NI) Ltd, (a subsidiary of Invest NI) and Belfast International Airport.
Speaking at the airport this morning, Enterprise Minister Angela Smith said: “This is a very significant development and tremendous news for business travellers and tourists alike. It is also a wonderful expression of confidence in the future of Northern Ireland.
“Later today I will travel to the Giant’s Causeway to reveal the latest plans for the development of our number one tourist attraction – today is indeed an historic day for Northern Ireland’s tourism industry.”
Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of NITB, said: "The impact of direct access to Northern Ireland for American tourists cannot be overestimated. Last year US visitor numbers increased by one-fifth to 100,000, and by 2007 we aim to increase that to 145,000.
“This is a symbol of future growth potential and a great confidence boost for Northern Ireland tourism. Direct access from New York will certainly help us achieve this ambitious target."
Air Route Development (NI) Ltd was established in September 2003 as a subsidiary of Invest Northern Ireland.
The Board of the company is chaired by Invest NI Board member Bill McGinnis.
(MB/SP)
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