Birmingham’s business and tourism received a welcome boost on Monday as Aer Lingus Regional’s first flight from Birmingham to Ireland West Airport Knock took to the skies. Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann now flies once daily from Birmingham to Ireland West Airport Knock offering both business and leisure travellers direct, convenient and cost effective connectivity between Great Britain’s second largest city and the west of Ireland.

Commenting on the launch of the service, Aer Arann’s Interim Chief Executive Sean Brogan said, "We are delighted to commence our Aer Lingus Regional, Birmingham to Ireland West Airport Knock service. We recognise the vital importance of regional air connectivity and the key role that this air link to and from Birmingham provides for business, tourism and leisure travel. We look forward to working with our partners in Birmingham Airport to ensure that this route continues to be a success.”

Welcoming the launch of the service, Aer Lingus Director of Communications, Declan Kearney said, "Aer Lingus is delighted to add the Birmingham to Ireland West Airport Knock route to its network. We look forward to welcoming more and more customers on board this service from today and into the future.”

Paul Kehoe, CEO, Birmingham Airport, added, "The Midlands is home to many thousands of Irish descendants so we’re confident that today’s launch will be welcomed by those wanting to visit friends and relatives in both Birmingham and Knock, as well as the business community who need to access the Midlands and County Mayo.”

Aer Lingus Regional flights from Birmingham to Ireland West Airport Knock start from €29.99 one way including taxes and are available for booking on www.aerlingus.com.