Despite being Ireland’s flag carrier, Aer Lingus has been expanding its UK footprint in recent times. Most notably, this initiative has seen the airline open up a brand new base at Manchester Airport (MAN) in northwest England, from which it has launched transatlantic routes. These have now been operational for 2 years.
Two years of growth
It has now been exactly two years since Aer Lingus’ first long-haul flight from Manchester Airport departed the ability for Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in Barbados. With this in mind, the Irish flag carrier took the chance today to reflect upon the successes of this initiative’s first couple of years.
The flights have been a success, with services to Recent York JFK and Orlando (MCO) joining Aer Lingus’ growing transatlantic network from Manchester. Indeed, the airline notes that these routes “,” which has been reflected in an aircraft change.
Photo: Bradley Caslin | Shutterstock
Specifically, back in April this yr, the Irish flag carrier swapped the single-aisle Airbus A321LR for the larger A330 widebody on the Manchester-Recent York route. Having previously operated one among each aircraft type on this corridor, the undeniable fact that a pair of A330s was now present meant that 63,000 extra seats became available.
Return of the third route
At present, Aer Lingus is working year-round flights from Manchester to Recent York and Orlando, with these being served each day and 4 times every week respectively. Nonetheless, November 1st will see the return of the seasonal Barbados flights that began its Manchester operations, with these running thrice weekly. Reflecting on this offering, Aer Lingus’ Chief Customer Officer Susanne Carberry stated:
“We’re proud to have increased alternative for consumers within the North of England, who can now travel on to destinations as diverse as Recent York, Orlando and Barbados, along with the eleven flights a day operated by Aer Lingus from Manchester to Dublin and Belfast. We sit up for developing our offering and providing great value for our customers, combined with great service and a warm Irish welcome.”
Photo: Aer Lingus
What Aer Lingus is doing in Manchester is clearly working, with demand for its flights at the ability having increased by 30% year-on-year. Because the launch of those services, the Irish flag carrier has welcomed 500,000 passengers onboard. Manchester Airport CEO Andrew Cowan had high praise for the airline, stating:
“Few places epitomize the glamour, excitement and fun of international travel quite like Recent York and Orlando and it’s great to think that over half one million people within the last two years may have experienced them through our partnership with Aer Lingus. (…) This partnership helps us connect the North with the world and we’re looking forward to continuing and constructing on this within the years to come back.”
Dublin’s transatlantic network can be growing
Despite its success in Manchester, Aer Lingus’ most important hub is, in fact, its base at Dublin Airport (DUB), from which it operates a good larger transatlantic network. This is ready to see further growth next yr, with its path to Minneapolis-St Paul (MSP) being relaunched in April 2024. The next month, the carrier may also begin operating direct flights to Denver International Airport (DEN).
What do you make of Aer Lingus’ transatlantic offering from Manchester? Have you ever ever traveled on one among these fights? Tell us your thoughts and experiences within the comments!