The deal will see FirstGroup-owned Aircoach take over the Northern Irish company’s operations and expand its footprint across Ireland
Aircoach, First Bus’ Irish airport coach service operator has acquired Northern Irish company Airporter. The deal will see Aircoach take over the Northern Ireland-based firm’s operations, expanding its footprint in Ireland and increasing the number of routes it operates to seven with a 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 Springtown Industrial Estate in Derry/Londonderry and the transfer across of all Airporter drivers and operational staff to Aircoach. The new service also means that travellers from the north-west will now be able to arrive by coach at Dublin Airport for early morning flights. Joe Thompson, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at 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.”
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 themselves 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.”
