Aer Lingus has denied an earlier report that the airline carrier was in talks to re-connect its previous services with four California airports.

The Irish Times first reported that the carrier was in negotiations to re-establish a yearlong service to the West Coast of the United States, but Aer Lingus later confirmed to The Journal that they have no plans in returning to those destinations next year.

A statement released by the airline said:
“Following a detailed analysis of the route potential, Aer Lingus has decided not to operate the route to the US west coast in Summer 2012. The analysis forecast significant losses.”

The US-based Irish Technology Leadership Group wrote to Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny in May calling for the re-establishment of a West Coast route, prompting that it would be valuable to the development of economic links between Ireland and Silicon Valley.

In the letter, the group wrote:
“The lack of a direct route makes this journey time consuming and frustrating, and could also be misinterpreted as a representation of Ireland declining rather than embracing its technology and ‘smart economy’ future.”

The Dublin Chamber of Commerce displayed its disappointment at the decision not to restore the route, which it had lobbied for, in a statement.

Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber CEO said:
“Dublin Chamber is disappointed to hear the news that the west coast routes will not be returning in 2012.”

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