Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Empey has highlighted the implications for Northern Ireland air travellers following the decision by Virgin Atlantic to commence domestic short-haul flights from London to Manchester.
Lord Empey said:
“The decision by Virgin Atlantic to open up its first domestic feeder air service between Manchester and Heathrow could be the start of something really new in the UK aviation market. It could also have implications for Northern Ireland.'
'What if Virgin Atlantic was to fill the gap at Aldergrove/Belfast International left by Aer Lingus and provide a Belfast- Heathrow service from there? This could mean that Aer Lingus is outflanked by Virgin.'
'It all goes to show how volatile and fast moving the local aviation scene is. This is why I am continuing to pursue legislative certainty that Northern Ireland's airlinks with the national hub airport at Heathrow are guaranteed and not subject to short-term decisions. This is vital for our long term economic progress.'
(note. Lord Empey has sponsored a Private Member's Bill at Westminster designed to give HMG powers to intervene in the event of a failure by airlines to fly the Belfast Heathrow route)
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