WINDSOR LOCKS -- Gov. Dan Malloy has announced a new deal for the first direct trans-Atlantic flights from Bradley International Airport.
Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland, will add a route from Windsor Locks to Dublin. The airline was reportedly lured by $5 million in incentives from the state.
Malloy officially announced the deal during a press conference at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the airport. Bradley hasn't offered trans-Atlantic opportunities since Northwest canceled a daily non-stop flight to Amsterdam in 2008, citing the bad economy.
“As an Irish-American, I'm happy this day has come,” Malloy said while smiling at the press conference.
The direct flights between Dublin and Hartford expected to start next September.
This video is an Aer Lingus Boeing 757 landing at Logan Airport in Boston.
It’s good news for travelers and the state's economy. Claire Sullivan with AAA agrees a daily European flight will provide a huge boost.
“We have a lot of clients from this area that don't like to drive to Boston or New York,” said Sullivan, “so being right here in Hartford will be wonderful.”
It will also provide a gateway to Europe for leisure and business travelers.
“We do have a lot of people that will travel to Ireland but with Aer Lingus coming into Hartford they'll be able to make connections all over," said Sullivan.
