The Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) yesterday unveiled discounts of 70 per cent on current charges to airlines in an attempt to secure a replacement carrier for Aer Lingus on the Shannon-Heathrow route.

The offer also applies to airlines that may establish routes between Shannon and Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.

According to the SAA, the 70 per cent discount will reduce on a sliding scale to 30 per cent in the fifth year, after which charges will be operated at the prevailing standard rate. British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh said last night that it would not be taking up the Shannon to Heathrow route.