THE FIRST DIRECT transatlantic flight in Cork Airport’s 56-year history has taken off this afternoon.

Norwegian Air flight D81821 is travelling from Cork to Boston/Providence in the US.

The new service will operate three times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Speaking ahead of the flight, Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport, thanked staff from Norwegian Air and the airport who made the new route possible.

“I would like to thank especially all of our stakeholders, on both sides of the Atlantic, who assisted us with their support to secure the granting of the licence.”

There had been delays in the US Department of Transportation granting Norwegian Air a foreign carrier’s permit due to opposition from US airlines and trade unions, which claimed American jobs would be lost as a result.

Tourism

MacCarthy said the development is good news for tourism in the region, noting: “Thousands of US visitors can now land right here in Cork to start their journey on the Wild Atlantic Way and throughout Ireland’s Ancient East.

This will bring jobs, revenue and tourism growth directly to businesses and towns throughout the South of Ireland and grow our regional economy.

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Norwegian Air CEO Bjorn Kjos added: “The first-ever transatlantic flights from Cork is a huge milestone for the airport, Norwegian and most of all passengers.”

Tourism Ireland Chief Executive Niall Gibbons said the new route is “excellent news” for tourism in Cork and the south of Ireland.

“Last year, we welcomed a record 1.6 million North American visitors to the island of Ireland, worth over €1.3 billion to our economy.

“Tourism Ireland has prioritised North America for 2017, as a market which offers a strong return on investment, in terms of holiday visitors and expenditure.,” Gibbons said.