Two new cities served, and more capacity to Dublin as airlines announce boost for 'key tourism market'

Two new routes have launched from Glasgow Airport as part of a major expansion of flights to Ireland.

Irish carriers Aer Arann and Aer Lingus have joined forces to create 'Aer Lingus Regional' a new airline serving Cork and Dublin from Glasgow.

The new carrier will operate four daily roundtrips to the Irish capital, as well as new daily flights to Cork on Ireland's southern coast. The city - Ireland's second largest - is an important economic centre and is close to some of Ireland's best known tourist attractions, including Blarney Castle.

The increase in flights to Dublin - up from just one a day - reflects the importance of the city as Ireland's tourism and economic hub. With four flights a day, the new airline will offer improved connections to Aer Lingus's translatlantic network, including New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando.

Meanwhile, Aer Arann have also launched a new service to Donegal in their own right. Flights will operate four times a week after the airline switched its operation from Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire to Glasgow's airport.

Ireland is the third biggest inbound tourism market for Scotland, worth some £76 million in 2008, according to VisitScotland.

Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport said: "The launch of Aer Lingus Regional presents a fantastic opportunity to strengthen business and tourism ties between Glasgow and Ireland, already one of our most important tourism markets and one we are determined to grow. The expansion of flights to Dublin and the introduction of new flights to Cork, an increasingly important commercial hub, are a real boost."

She added: "We are also delighted to welcome Aer Arann in their own right following the recent switch of their Donegal service from Prestwick to Glasgow's airport. We look forward to working with our Irish partners to develop closer ties between our two countries."