Aer Lingus selects Emerald Airlines for regional services
Aer Lingus has tapped Emerald Airlines to provide service on its regional flight network.
A 10-year franchise agreement was signed which is set to commence on 1 January, 2023.
The two parties are in discussion to bring the start date forward due to Stobart Air recently ceasing operations. .
The new agreement will support Aer Lingus’s Dublin hub strategy by providing connectivity from UK regional airports to North America via Dublin.
The agreement will offer quick and convenient connections between Ireland and regional airports in the UK, the Isle of Man and Jersey, with options for network expansion to further airports in the future.
Under the agreement, Emerald Airlines will operate ATR turboprop aircraft on the regional routes in Aer Lingus branding and livery.
The new deal could also lead to over 400 new jobs between now and the commencement of services in 2023.
Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive, said: "Aer Lingus’s strategic intent to develop Dublin Airport as a hub between Europe and the US, to deliver greater connectivity and aviation jobs, is significantly boosted by this announcement."
"This franchise agreement with Emerald Airlines marks a new chapter in Aer Lingus regional services and brings choice and certainty to our customers flying between Ireland, the UK and beyond."
"This is a major development for Irish Aviation and the wider tourism industry. The combined strengths of both airlines will allow us to offer optimised connectivity from popular cities and routes across Ireland, the UK and beyond.
"Emerald Airlines have ambitious plans to grow and develop this partnership over the next few years with the first ATR aircraft joining shortly," said Conor McCarthy, Emerald Airlines founder and Chief Executive.
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