On Wednesday 30th May 2007 Ireland West Airport Knock had a double celebration as it celebrated its 21st birthday and the inaugural flight to Boston Logan International Airport with flyglobespan. Ireland West Airport officially opened the runway for business on May 30th  1986. Along with flyglobespan Ireland West Airport Knock started the celebrations early as they welcomed the first ever flight from Boston into the airport shortly after the JFK arrived into Ireland West Airport for the second time this week. This week was one to remember the 21 year old airport as the commencement of the long-awaited transatlantic service with Scottish low cost carrier flyglobespan. Flyglobespan will operate twice weekly service to Boston as well as three direct scheduled flights per week from Ireland West to JFK New York. The inaugural flight to JFK took its maiden journey on Sunday, 27th May 2007. Seat fares on the transatlantic flights from Ireland West Airport Knock are priced from only €209 one way including taxes.

Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Boston – Ireland West Airport Knock flight at Boston Logan International, Chairman Joe Kennedy said: “Thanks to the hard work of scores of people on both sides of the Atlantic who have dedicated their time and effort into making this dream come true. We are delighted that this service is with the award-winning airline, Flyglobespan – one of the fastest growing airlines in the industry today. And we look forward to developing this service further to put the highly popular City of Kind Hearts into the heart of the tourist trail for the Irish, while bringing the West and North West of Ireland within easy low fares reach for the people of Massachusetts. We look forward to welcoming you all to Ireland, and you can be assured of a very warm Céad Míle Fáilte upon your arrival.”

Mr Liam Scollan, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport Knock said: “Boston is more than just another destination. It is a great and beautiful city and the birthplace of the American Revolution.  Its history has so much resonance with the people of the West of Ireland and because so many Irish flocked there the connection is just as strong to-day.  It has also the home of many of the US companies that have come to Ireland and so it has great potential for business on both sides. It is fitting that we welcome the inaugural Boston service on our airport’s 21st anniversary.”

Flyglobepan’s first flights this week into Ireland West Knock from brought over 100s of visitors into the region - the first of many incomers who will boost Ireland’s tourism numbers. Welcoming the new Flyglobespan scheduled services into Ireland West Airport Knock, Mr Paul O’Toole, Tourism Ireland, Chief Executive said: “These new services are very welcome news for the West and North West and for tourism throughout the western seaboard. We in Tourism Ireland are working closely with Ireland West Airport Knock, Flyglobespan and Western tourism interests to maximise consumer take-up of the new services in the United States.  Early indications suggest that Ireland is set to experience another positive year in 2007 in terms of growing visitors from North America.  The new services will make it even easier for visitors from this important and high spending market to explore the delights of the West of Ireland.”

Since news of the new routes were announced, they have attracted great interest from both sides of the Atlantic and Tom Dalrymple, Chairman of Flyglobespan is delighted that flyglobespan’s most recent expansion is off to such a positive start. Commenting on the inaugural flight he said: “By giving Ireland West Knock and Boston this new service, we have linked the west of Ireland with the east coast of America – two regions with strong historical and cultural attachments. And as well as offering the region of Ireland, direct, low fares flights across the Atlantic, there is the added bonus of the benefits we bring the local tourist trade. I am sure that the low fares we are offering will tempt a number of Americans to make Ireland West knock their entry destination for a visit not just to Ireland but to a wider tour of Europe. It is a very exciting time for the Airport and for the airline. The route has tremendous potential.”

The first transatlantic flyglobespan aircraft landing at Ireland West Airport Knock. (Photo Noel Byrne)

Both the Boston and New York flights from Ireland West Airport Knock are available on www.flyglobespan.com  or can be booked through local travel agents. As with all flyglobespan services, travellers can choose flights only or take a package which includes transfers and/or accommodation.

Check out the Castlebar Photo Gallery for photographs of the first transatlantic aircraft at Knock - Photos from Noel Byrne and Philip Durkin.