The confirmation yesterday that the low-cost carrier Norwegian Air is to begin two new regular flights between Belfast International Airport and the United States this summer will be generally welcomed but it is important that clarification is provided on the amount of public funding involved.
Considerable controversy surrounded a decision by United Airlines to axe its established service from Aldergrove to New York last month, despite attempts by the Stormont executive to put together a £9m rescue package which was found to be in breach of EU regulations.
It is already known that further government support is to be provided for the Norwegian Air initiative and it will be expected that the full details will be provided in due course.
Maintaining good trans-Atlantic links is always a priority but the bill to the tax-payer also needs to be carefully assessed.
