Foster opens new £500,000 passenger airbridge at International Airport

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has opened the new £500,000 passenger airbridge at Belfast International Airport.

The bridge will be mainly used by the US based airline Continental Airlines, which has daily flights to and from New York, and will offer safer and more efficient boarding for passengers.

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.”

John Doran, Managing Director of Belfast International Airport believes today’s announcement reinforces the ongoing £10million revamp that is taking place in the airport terminal.

He 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 NI to the Unites States but providing crucial access for US tourist to visit NI.”

The main user of the airbridge, US based airline Continental Airlines, which flies daily to New York from Belfast International, welcomed the investment.

Bob Schumacher, Continental Airlines’ Senior Director UK and Ireland said: “As the operator of Northern Ireland’s only scheduled trans-Atlantic service, we welcome the addition of this state-of-the-art airbridge. We know our customers will appreciate the convenience and shelter it offers during boarding and disembarkation.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Belfast International Airport carries over five million passengers every year and employs over 5000 staff. The airport is currently embarking on a £10million revamp to reconfigure the terminal building bringing total investment to £35million over the last five years.

2. Airlines operating from the airport include Continental Airlines serving New York with easyJet, Aer Lingus, bmibaby,Jet2.com and Thomas Cook serving around 80 destinations worldwide non-stop.

3. Continental Airlines is celebrating four years of flying at BIA to its hub at Newark Liberty International Airport.

4. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.