BELFAST International Airport's Managing Director, Albert Harrison has
revealed that the airport is in "confirmed" talks with airlines to
introduce more mainland European links from Belfast.

The announcement was made on the same day the airport celebrated in carnival
style the send off of its first flights with easyJet to Paris, Malaga and
Nice.

The BIAL chief said: "EasyJet are to be warmly congratulated and, as early
seat sales have shown, it is clear that the decision makes sound business
sense.

"In this industry, nothing remains static, and we are talking to a number of
airlines to take this phase of expansion to a new level.

"By the end of this year, Belfast International Airport could be providing
as many as eight direct scheduled services to popular Continental
destinations in addition to 55 charter destinations."

Some 500 Northern Ireland passengers had a departure to remember when they
left Belfast on the inaugural easyJet flights.

Speaking at a Press conference at Belfast International Airport, Toby Nicol,
easyJet Director of Corporate Communications said: "Over the last six years
easyJet has gone from strength to strength in Northern Ireland, carrying
over nine million passengers from the Belfast base. Now as the region's
largest airline, easyJet operates 13 routes with 76 daily services
throughout the UK and Europe."

Added Albert Harrison of BIAL: "This is an exciting time for Belfast
International. Last year, we achieved record passenger numbers, and this
year we are on course to reach the 4.5 million mark.

"That says everything about the services provided by the airlines and
charter operators at our airport and our commitment to further develop and
expand the market, providing wider passenger choice."

EasyJet brought its new routes from Belfast forward by 10 days due to what
it says was an "overwhelming demand" and now the airline has revealed that
these new flights are only "a toe in the water" hinting that new services
may be on the agenda for the low-cost airline.

Destinations thought to be in the pipeline include Berlin, Geneva, Madrid
and Barcelona.