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Galway Airport now connected to Etihad Airways Global network

Last Thursday evening Galway Airport hosted the annual Galway Chamber of Commerce members' reception which was attended by Minister Eamon O'Cuiv, the City Mayor, local elected representatives, City and County councillors and the local business community. A key purpose of the night was to introduce the local business community to the worldwide connectivity that is now available through the code-share agreement between Aer Arann and Etihad Airways.

In his introduction to the evening, Mr. Paul Shelly, President of Galway Chamber said "Galway Airport provides connectivity for those of us living in the region, to national and international destinations and this is vital from both a personal and business point of view.

"Galway Chamber's mission statement is to make Galway the leading location for business, investment and people. Connecting with our markets, our investors, our families and vice versa is fundamental to our success".

He went on to say "it has never been more important that this region be connected than it is now. We may well be on the periphery of Europe geographically but our business is at the heart of Europe and the wider world".

In his address Mr. Michael Corless, Chairman of the Board of Galway Airport said:

"Our markets are now worldwide, requiring connectivity to international destinations. Galway Airport is now an airport from which you can connect to hubs which will transport you to worldwide markets. Starting out from Galway, business travelers' destinations include Australia, West Coast US, Middle and the Far East including China.
He also said: "and let us not forget Tourism - another major asset to Galway's economy. The Airport is under exploited as an asset for inward tourism growth. This needs to be addressed in a concerted way to develop and exploit the true potential of ‘brand' Galway and the west of Ireland"

Concluding he said: "the economic vibrancy of our county, our city and the region depends on a number of factors and Galway Airport is one of them. Government support to Galway Airport is part of the cost of doing business, retaining business and growing business and tourism in the west region"

Karen Maloney, Senior Sales Executive with Etihad Airways in her presentation said "Etihad airways is to increase its flying programme to Dublin moving from its current daily service to ten flights per week from the end of March. These additional services will provide travelers from Galway with greater access to sixty destinations in the Middle East, North America, Australia, Africa and Asia through its Abu Dhabi hub"

"For example, these extra flights will create greater connections between Dublin to Australia via Abu Dhabi. Sydney will now have daily connections; Melbourne will increase from three connections a week to six and Brisbane will move to three connections a week"

Minister O'Cuiv, in his address said: "the past 18 months have not been without challenges for the staff and management at Galway Airport. Changed life and work demands mean that many people use a mix of transport options from one end of the week to the next. Improved transport and improved broadband are changing the dynamics of distance and travel for Galway and the West.

"there are commentators who would think of Galway Airport as just a small airstrip for people going solely to Dublin and back or to the UK and back.  They would be selling Galway Airport short.  The presence here tonight of Pádraig Ó Céidigh of Aer Arann and Karen Maloney of Etihad Airlines shows what can be achieved by the people who look beyond the obvious. Thanks to this code-share arrangement between Etihad airways and Aer Arann, Galway Airport is now a gateway to 60 destinations worldwide including Etihad's home base in Abu Dhabi, and places like Sydney, Mumbai and Tokyo.  Galway Airport is now our local connection in a global airport network". 

ENDS

For further information please contact: Michael Moloney @ 086-6004288