New Derry bus service to start before Christmas

Aircoach announced in October that they have acquired Derry business Airporter, from previous owners Jennifer and Niall McKeever. The new service will have routes running seven days a week, including departures to meet early morning flights and reduced fares between Derry and Belfast International Airport by up to £13 based on a return fare.

Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Aircoach, said: “Thank you so much to Jennifer and Niall. It’s been a labour of love with a few challenges along the way but we got there in the end. [They’re] two warm, passionate, down to earth people. I couldn’t have wished for two better people to work with.

“Since we announced the acquisition a few weeks ago, we have been blown away by the local support and the anticipation around the launch of our new service. 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. It will be a game changer for passengers travelling to and from the North West city region and is going to open the region up to more visitors.”

The route for the service is yet to be finalised, but it is expected to be announced in December. Dervla said: “The plan is to do 12 journeys a day, one every two hours, so early morning journeys to get early mornings out of Belfast International Airport and Dublin Airport, but also connecting the north west city region to Dublin city.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Sandra Duffy said: “I am really delighted to be here, this is a really exciting opportunity for the city. Connectivity is key to the economic success of the north west city region and Aircoach now have a pivotal role to play in keeping the people of this city and region connected.

"The ability to travel from Derry to all major cities and airports on this island will be a major benefit, whether people are traveling for business or pleasure. I want to wish the company all the very best with their plans.”

Aircoach are still working to finalise some details but the ‘Journal’ can confirm that the new buses will be wheelchair accessible and will depart from Foyleside, Drumahoe Park and Ride, Belfast International Airport, Belfast city (Glengall St), Dublin Airport and Dublin City. There won’t be a toilet on board but there will be time for ‘comfort breaks’ when the bus stops at Glengall Street in Belfast city centre. Aircoach does not currently accept Smart Passes but they said: “We are working to establish if this is possible with the relevant authorities in the north and south. It is something we are actively working on at the moment, but cannot confirm this yet.”

The new bus service is expected to start in December, with the route and price expected to be announced in the coming weeks.