easyJet launches new services from Republic of Ireland

easyJet, Europe's leading low cost airline today launches its first new routes from the Republic of Ireland, connecting Cork, Knock and Shannon to London's Gatwick airport.

From Cork, easyJet will operate a twice daily service with a morning and evening departure which allows a good day return for the business traveller.

From Shannon, easyJet begins with a daily service, which will increase to twice daily from the 21 April 2005 and there will be a daily service from Knock.

These new services are expected to attract both business and leisure travellers alike, as the routes have strong tourism, VFR and business connections in both directions, with the inbound traffic helping boosting the local economy in Ireland. Advance sales have been strong and easyJet expects to carry close to 1/2 million passengers in the first 12 months.

All three routes are available to book on easyJet.com from €17.99 one way (€25.98 return including taxes).

Ed Winter, easyJet's Chief Operating Officer joining the celebrations at all three airports today and commented:

"It is an exciting day for easyJet and we are delighted to be starting these new services, the Republic of Ireland is a practically untapped market for low cost services and air fares in the regions have been too high for too long. easyJet is now providing hundreds of thousands of Irish travellers the opportunity to access the South of England through our Gatwick gateway with our well established product at great low fares".