The Aer Lingus chief says they're very optimistic 2014 is going to be a good year for them.

Today sees the first flight of the airline's beefed up transatlantic service from Shannon.

A major expansion plan is being rolled out this year, which includes new routes from Dublin to San Francisco and Toronto, as well as more flights from Shannon to Boston and New York.

Company CEO Christoph Mueller says they have confidence in Shannon region's appeal to passengers:Meanwhile, the European Parliament is to vote on giving provisional approval to a new set of Air Passenger Rights.

The proposals are aimed at making sure airlines improve enforcement, by clarifying key measures that have given rise to many disputes between airlines and passengers in the past.

The rights also set out compensation where there are delays of more than three hours.

In addition, the measures are likely to bring an end to the one cabin bag rule.