KLM will double its daily service from Cork Airport to Amsterdam.
Details
Cork Airport stated, "Cork Airport welcomes the announcement that KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will double its daily service between Cork and Amsterdam Schiphol from November 23, 2021.
"The airline will now operate a twice-daily service from Cork Airport from November 23, 2021, with the addition of a new early morning flight from Cork and a late evening service from Amsterdam. The news is a major boost to both inbound and outbound tourism for the greater Munster region, with the second frequency offering passengers more choice and increased connectivity to KLM’s extensive network of 170 destinations worldwide."
Additional Statements
"Cork Airport added, Welcoming KLM Royal Dutch Airlines' decision to expand its frequency, Brian Gallagher, Head of Aviation and Commercial Business Development at Cork Airport, said, 'Today's announcement by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to double its frequency on its Cork to Amsterdam Schiphol route is a sign of the outstanding confidence the airline has in this region to sustain and grow its network offering. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has been a fantastic partner to Cork Airport since launching in summer 2020, weathering the most difficult period the industry has ever had to endure. We are delighted to support their growth now as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"'The Cork to Amsterdam route will continue to be operated by KLM subsidiary, KLM Cityhopper and we anticipate that this announcement will provide a huge boost to tourism and the business community across the South of Ireland. This is particularly welcome in the current year where tourism nationwide is experiencing great challenges. The new service will increase choice and reduce prices for outbound Munster travellers not just to Amsterdam but to the extensive long-haul network available from there with KLM. More importantly for the local economy here in Munster, we expect a significant tourism windfall.'
"Speaking on the announcement, Fahmi Mahjoub, General Manager of Air France-KLM UK and Ireland, said, 'As we look beyond what has been a very difficult period for the travel industry, we are delighted to be in a position to share this positive news. The addition of the second daily KLM flight from Cork really strengthens our footprint in Ireland. The additional night-stop flight from Cork will offer more booking options, allowing even more passengers from the South of Ireland to take advantage of worldwide connections via our convenient hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.'"
IATA CEO Says It Would Be "Madness" For Shannon Airport To Establish Its Own Airline
In other Ireland-related airline news, as reported by rte.ie, International Air Transport Association (IATA) CEO Willie Walsh has said that it would be "madness" for Shannon Airport to establish its own airline.
Walsh reportedly said while speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland radio programme that airports should focus on running airports, and, referring to the idea of Shannon establishing an airline, "I hear lots of crazy ideas from politicians but that's probably one of the most crazy ones I've heard."
Walsh reportedly added, "Running airlines and running airports are two completely different things."
Additional Walsh Statements
Additionally, Walsh reportedly said while speaking at IATA's World Cargo Symposium, which took place place in Dublin on Tuesday October 12, said the aviation industry still faces substantial losses as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, but its outlook is more positive now than it was three months ago.
Walsh reportedly said, "2020 was a very severe downturn, the industry lost about $140 billion."
Walsh reportedly said, "This year we're forecasting those losses to reduce to about $52 billion, and next year, still losses but reducing again to about $12 billion. These are terrible figures - but we are seeing positive signs now, more and more countries are opening their borders."
Walsh reportedly said that there is some evidence that the experience of remote working and virtual conferences is leading some businesses to reign in their aviation spending, but that he feels most want to get back to face-to-face meetings.
Walsh reportedly reiterated his opposition to a carbon tax on aviation fuel, and reportedly said that it would divert money away from the industry's efforts to reduce its emissions.
Walsh reportedly said, "What we want is to decarbonise the industry, taxation just takes money out of the industry that otherwise could have gone to improving environmental performance."
Walsh reportedly defended aviation's track record on sustainability, and reportedly said that its growth expectations do not mean that its emissions will grow too.
Walsh reportedly said, "There's a big disconnect between a growth in passengers and a growth in CO2."
Walsh reportedly added, "Over the past 15 years passenger numbers have grown by about 120% whereas Co2 emissions have grown by 40%. And that disconnect will continue as modern technology aircraft replace the older generation."
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
