Aer Lingus has
confirmed that it will begin
services to three new cities
in the US before the end of
the year, following
agreement on an 'open skies'
deal between the European
Union and the US.
The airline's new routes are
to San Francisco, Orlando
and Washington, with the San
Francisco service expected
to start in October.
EU transport ministers
unanimously approved the
draft agreement at a
meeting in Brussels earlier.
The deal will also see the
phasing out of the Shannon
stopover. The Taoiseach,
Bertie Ahern, has welcomed
the decision. Mr Ahern said
that it will be good for Aer
Lingus and for the country.