An advertising campaign encouraging West business travellers to fast-track their journey to the US through Dublin Airport has been launched by Bristol Airport and Aer Lingus Regional.
Passengers on Aer Lingus Regional services from Bristol can complete pre-clearance and customs at Dublin ahead of their onward journey to the US.
As a result, Bristol passengers are treated the same as domestic passengers when they land in the US and so avoid security delays of up to two hours at major American airports such as New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando.
Ireland is the only European country to offer US passport and customs pre-clearance.
The campaign includes outdoor, press and radio advertising across the West of England.
Simon Fagan, chief commercial officer at Aer Arann, which operates the Aer Lingus Regional service between Bristol and Dublin, said: “We are pleased to announce details of this service which is designed to save our customers time. Bristol Airport is of strategic importance to our network.
“We estimate that more than a million passengers travel through London airports from the South West to fly to the US – adding substantial time to their journey. Now there is an alternative.”
The airline estimates that more than 10,000 passengers could benefit from the pre-clearance service in the coming months. Aer Arann operates three daily Aer Lingus regional services between Bristol and Dublin, connecting to four US destinations.
“We are constantly reviewing our services and looking at ways to enhance our offering,” added Mr Fagan. “Connectivity is always key for our customers and this service we’re offering together with Bristol and Dublin Airport reflects this.”
Bristol Airport aviation director Shaun Browne added: “This new campaign aims to highlight the convenience of connecting via Dublin, offering a great alternative to travelling down the M4 to the London airports for transatlantic flights.”
