AQW 6014/16-21

Mr Steven Agnew
Green Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 24/10/2016
Answered On Date: 05/12/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy , pursuant to AQW 3874/16-21, (i) what evidence he has that a direct transatlantic route from Belfast to North America has been important for Northern Ireland's economy; (ii) whether a formal business case was produced prior to the funding decision; and (iii) to publish this business case or place it in the Assembly Library.

Answer:

A direct transatlantic route from Belfast to North America has been important for Northern Ireland’s economy over the past decade in terms of increasing our tourism, enhancing our prospects in attracting US based investors and helping our local companies to export their products and services.

The United States is the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment into Northern Ireland and our largest exports market outside of the EU. Over the past decade of the United Airlines service over 1 million passengers travelled on the flight, with significant benefits for local tourism.

It was not possible to produce a formal business case in the tight timescales required by United for a decision. It is regrettable that in spite of all the efforts that were made that United are terminating the service.