News from June 2009

Half a Million investment in passenger facilities

Published: 19 June 2009

As Continental Airlines celebrates 4th birthday at Belfast International Airport

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster today welcomed the opening of a new £500,000 passenger airbridge at Belfast International Airport.

The investment comes hot on the heels of a recent announcement by Belfast International Airport that £10million will be spent revamping the airport terminal for the benefit of its passengers.

John Doran, managing director of Belfast International Airport, said; "It is wonderful that we are able to stand here today and announce more investment into passenger facilities.  We are committed to enhancing the passenger experience, and indeed the tourist experience, as soon as you step on or off a flight at Belfast International Airport."

"It is with great pleasure that we celebrate with Continental Airlines their fourth year of flying from Northern Ireland, not only connecting us to the United States but providing crucial access for US tourists to visit NI.

The main user of the airbridge, US-based airline Continental Airlines, who fly daily to New York from Belfast International, welcomed the investment.  "As the operator of Northern Ireland'> > s only scheduled trans-atlantic service, we welcome the addition of this state-of-the-art airbridge," said Bob Schumacher, Continental Airlines' Senior Director U.K. & Ireland.  "We know our customers will appreciate the convenience and shelter it offers during boarding and disembarkation."

The airline is celebrating four successful years flying out of BIA, carrying well over 400,000 passengers in that time to its hub at Newark Liberty International Airport where passengers can connect to over 200 destinations across the Americas. The airline is also responsible for bringing thousands of tourists to Northern Ireland.

Arlene Foster said: "This new airbridge coincides with the fourth anniversary of Continental Airlines' service to Northern Ireland and signals the company's ongoing commitment to the region.
"It is also part of a wider £10million investment programme at Belfast International Airport to improve facilities throughout the terminal, which in turn will improve the welcome afforded to visitors.
"In 2008, around 78% of tourists arrived into Northern Ireland by air. This follows the work of the Air Route Development Fund which encouraged the development of new European and international air links.
"It is therefore very encouraging that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is working closely with the airport on a range of initiatives to enhance the greeting that tourists receive upon arrival. This includes the provision of training to improve customer service.
"If Northern Ireland is to continue to grow its tourist numbers, it must offer a top class experience from the moment a visitor steps off the plane, collects their baggage, gets into a taxi, right through to their arrival at the hotel and beyond. The NITB is working hard to take advantage of these opportunities in order to influence the experience for visitors during their time here."