Historic day for Shannon Airport
IT was a case of "By the time I get to Phoenix, I'll have cleared customs" for entertainer Dana, as she was one of the first passengers to take advantage of the unique US customs and immigration clearance facilities which opened at Shannon Airport today.
But for American passengers, the real celebrity at Shannon this week was US Ambassador Dan Rooney, owner of one of the States' most popular sports teams, the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers.
Mr Rooney posed for pictures with gridiron fans and also met with American troops transiting through the airport on their way to the Middle East.
The ambassador was at the airport to mark the official opening this Wednesday of the €20 million US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facility at Shannon, the first to open outside the Americas.
Over 20 officers have been hired to work the facility, which has 14 inspection desks to the rear of the former US immigration point at Shannon. Once cleared at Shannon, flights are regarded as domestic meaning airlines can benefit from lower charges at smaller American airports and passengers won't face lengthy queues once they land in the States.
"I think the facilities are just outstanding," Mr Rooney told the Limerick Leader.
"What it will do is get more people to come here. The United States has always had a great relationship with Shannon Airport. A lot of people who came to the States, including my wife's people who are from Mayo, find it very easy to come to Shannon. It goes way back. This is something that will help them but mainly it will help the passengers and not just from Ireland. They can come from all over Europe, get here and go on."
Continental to Newark was the first flight to be cleared and left on time at 9am.
"Normally, Continental have about two thirds of the flight connecting on to other destinations," said Shannon Airport director Martin Moroney.
"The first passenger cleared this morning was a young man from Corbally who was going in a party of four to Peru to do voluntary work in the slums. They are connecting out of Newark.
"Dana Rosemary Scallon was on the flight with her husband as well. They were going to Phoenix. That's a major part of Continental's service. Two thirds connect on. That's what makes it so easy with the pre-clearance. The people arriving there (Newark) today don't have to see their bags again; don't have to go through any checks; just walk through the gate and have a cup of tea or go shopping or whatever they want to do; and connect on. It's very, very user-friendly and convenient."
The facility has already attracted new business for Shannon, with British Airways to use the airport for immigration clearance and refuelling when it launches a business service from London City to New York in September.
This will be shortly followed by clearance facilities for general aviation (private jets), which could prove a significant generator of revenue for the airport.
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Weather for Limerick
Tuesday 22 May 2012
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