Aircoach acquisition of Airporter leads to expansion of Irish routes
First Bus owned Irish operator Aircoach has acquired the Northern Ireland company Airporter. The deal will see Aircoach take over the Northern Ireland-based company’s operations to expand its footprint in Ireland and increase its daily routes to seven with a new route connecting the north-west of Ireland to Belfast International Airport, Dublin Airport and Dublin city centre.
The acquisition includes the Airporter base at the Springtown Industrial Estate in Dublin and the transfer of all Airporter drivers and operational staff to Aircoach to service the new timetable and route.
The new service also means that travellers from the north-west will now be able to arrive at Dublin Airport for early morning flights to key European destinations and major US cities.
Joe Thompson, chief strategy and growth officer, First Bus UK, says: “This marks a significant milestone for Aircoach with the creation of an enhanced all-island service. This has been made possible with the acquisition of Airporter, a company which has served customers so well for over 25 years to and from the North-West.
“We’re privileged to be Ireland’s leading transport operator, bringing people to work, students to university, reuniting families, and bringing new visitors to our cities from all around the world.”
Dervla McKay, managing director, Aircoach adds: “Aircoach is fully committed to ensuring that the north-west is connected to major travel and economic hubs to improve the attractiveness of the region as a place in which to invest. The deal marks a great step forward for Aircoach and we look forward to launching the new route in due course.”