Aer Lingus to launch one-stop transatlantic flights from Southend

Aer Lingus Regional is to launch flights from Southend to Dublin, offering onward connections to transatlantic services.


 


From May 10, the airline will offer three daily services which will connect with Aer Lingus flights from Dublin to New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando.


 


Flights between Southend and Dublin will be operated by Aer Lingus' franchise carrier Aer Arran, which has been rebranded Aer Lingus Regional.


 


Aer Arran launched its first passenger flights from Southend last March after the airport's owner - Stobart Air- invested in the airline.


 


Nevertheless, Aer Arran suspended its twice daily service from Southend to Galway last October due to a deterioration in bookings.


 


The new flights to Dublin are being sold to passengers living in Essex and East London as offering easy access to the US. They will have access to US Customs and Immigration pre-clearance facilities at Dublin Airport, which means they can avoid queues when they arrive in the States.


 


Southend Airport managing director Alastair Welch, said: "We are delighted to welcome Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann to London Southend, offering a fantastic new route and taking the number of destinations available from this airport up to 15 from this summer.


 


" Dublin is a popular and welcome addition to the services we offer, especially with the very exciting potential for convenient onward journeys to the U.S.A."


 


Southend Airport plans to start work expanding its passenger terminal this year, after signing a 10-year deal with easyJet. The low-cost airline will start flying to nine destinations from the airport next month.


 


By Linsey McNeill

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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