Aer Arann Cancels Derry Routes

Aer Arann has taken the decision to cancel its two proposed services from Derry to Manchester and Edinburgh, as the routes attracted poor bookings ahead of their intented launches on 20 May.

According to a statement on the airline's official website, forward bookings over the summer for the routings proved to be "very weak", with flights over the first weeks of the service booked only to single digit load factors.

Aer Arann's corporate affairs director, Andrew Kelly, said: "We looked at this route and we felt there was an opportunity based on reported demand, but that demand has not materialised and so we have made the decision not to start routes that show no signs of being anything but loss making. While unfortunate and regrettable it is the wisest decision to make in the long term interest of our customers and the financial performance of the airline."