Knock signs sister deal in New York

IRELAND West Airport and Stewart International Airport in New York have established the first Sister Airport Relationship, forming a strategic alliance to facilitate the exchange of information and promote and develop air access between the airports.

The sister airport agreement was signed at Stewart Airport in Orange County, New York on Friday last by Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport and Ed Harrison, General Manager, Stewart International Airport.

Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport, said at the signing ceremony:

“The airport are delighted to have formed a strategic partnership with Stewart International Airport.

“Stewart is a convenient and economical option for commercial air operations into the State of New York, the Hudson Valley and the New York City Metropolitan Region and is the newest transatlantic gateway from Ireland.

“The West and North West regions of Ireland have a centuries-old relationship with the people of New York, and their airports provide a modern link between the two regions that share family, business and cultural ties unmatched by other countries.

“We look forward to developing this partnership with the aim of developing air access between our airports and enhancing the knowledge and expertise of both parties.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ed Harrison, General Manager, Stewart Airport said:

“Stewart Airport is looking forward to developing a strategic alliance between our airports and exploring options to deliver direct air access to the West of Ireland and to foster business, economic and tourism links between the West and North West regions of Ireland and Orange County.”

In 2016 it was estimated that 44% of US visitors to Ireland came to the West and North West regions, despite no direct air services to the

Furthermore, an estimated 49,000 passengers from the West and North West regions flew to New York in 2016 via other access points.