AQW 7719/22-27

Mr Phillip Brett
Democratic Unionist Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 28/02/2024
Answered On Date: 12/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the work he will undertake to secure regular passenger transatlantic flights between Northern Ireland and the United States of America.

Answer:

My Department consistently looks for ways we can enhance and support our air connectivity. In October 2023, my officials commissioned aviation consultants to update research previously published by the Department in July 2019. This research is focusing on innovative ways to identify a set of strategic routes which will help drive inbound tourism and business growth and identify policy levers available to the Department to enhance our air connectivity. This research will be completed by end March 2024, and will inform the development of policy and work required to secure new routes, including the potential for transatlantic flights between here and the United States of America.Tourism Ireland (TI) continues to provide co-operative marketing support to airlines operating to all three of our local airports.