Newly appointed Ulster Unionist Party economy spokesperson Danny Kinahan MLA has said that the link to New York from the International Airport at Aldergrove must be safeguarded.
Mr Kinahan was speaking after United Airlines, who operate the route to Newark airport, announced their intention to suspend the service for nine weeks from the 6 January until the 11 March next year.
The South Antrim MLA said:
“The direct route to New York run by United Airlines is an essential economic corridor for Northern Ireland.
We must continue to offer prospective American investors a direct channel to our doorstep. They need access, via a trouble free, safe, reliable air link, before they commit to multi-million dollar investments. That is why I am urging Ministers to do all they can to safeguard the one and only regular link we have with the United States of America.
“It is vital to our economic well-being that we retain United Airways at the Belfast International Airport at Aldergrove as a ‘partner’ in the rebuilding of the Northern Ireland economy.
“I am heartened by United Airlines’ commitment to return to normal operations in March and I would urge all concerned to re-double the marketing and promotion of this vital service, to ensure Northern Ireland retains and grows American visitor numbers.”