First’s Aircoach acquires Airporter

Aircoach, First Bus’ Irish operator, has acquired the Northern Irish passenger transport company, Airporter.

The deal will see Aircoach takeover the Northern Ireland-based company’s operations to expand its footprint in Ireland and increase its daily routes to seven with the new all-island route connecting the North-West to Belfast International Airport, Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre.

The acquisition includes the Airporter base at the Springtown Industrial Estate in the city and the transfer across 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 the likes of key European destinations and major US cities.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for Aircoach with the creation of an enhanced all-island service” – Joe Thompson, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, First Bus UK

Joe Thompson, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, First Bus UK, said: “Today’s announcement 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.”

“The deal marks a great step forward for Aircoach” – Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Aircoach

Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Aircoach, said: “The new service will further transform airport connectivity for those in the region, reducing fares for passengers and enabling them to avail of early morning flights at the two main airports on the island of Ireland.

“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.”

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