Aer Arann has today confirmed a 32% rise in Aer Lingus Regional passenger numbers in 2012, with total passenger growth of 16% in the past two years.
Aer Arann Interim CEO Sean Brogan announced a new beginning at the airline outlining a package of measures to grow its customer base and route network, including a restructuring of the company, a fleet renewal programme, the extension of Aer Lingus agreement and the addition of two new routes.
Aer Arann Interim CEO Sean Brogan said “Just over two years ago, we stared closure in the face. Now, we have the fundamentals in place to join Europe’s top tier of regional airlines.
The completion of our restructuring programme represents a new beginning for the airline. Our extended franchise agreement with Aer Lingus to 2022 gives us a firm foundation for growth, and the fleet renewal programme allows us to enhance the passenger offering further.
We have come a long way in a short time, but much remains to be done. We will only continue to push forward positively if we maximize the opportunities that have been secured. “
The airline will be taking delivery of eight new ATR72-600 with the first aircraft to enter service in May with remaining seven aircraft to be delivered over the following 11 months replacing the older existing fleet of ATR72-200s and ATR42s.
The airline has extended its franchise agreement with Aer Lingus, which will see Aer Arann operate under the Aer Lingus Regional brand until the end of 2022.
The airline is to expand its route network for Summer 2013 launching two new routes from Dublin to Birmingham and Manchester with three additional services to Birmingham and two to Manchester for a total of six and five services per day prescriptively.
Aer Arann Interim CEO Sean Brogan said “These new routes will add over 120,000 passengers to our network this year, and it is our aim to increase this to 300,000 passengers by the end of next year.
Taken with Aer Lingus’ existing services, it offers significant additional choice to all customers, especially business customers seeking same day returns. “
In addition its increasing frequency on routes from Dublin to Edinburgh and Glasgow with two additional flights on each route for a total of six services per day.
The new routes from Dublin Airport to Birmingham and Dublin to Manchester, brings the airline’s route network to 24.
Aer Arann operates routes from Cork Airport to Bristol ,Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester and seasonal services to Jersey and Rennes and from Dublin Airport to Bristol to Aberdeen, Bristol, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Isle of Man, Kerry, London Southend and seasonal service to Rennes, and from Shannon Airport to Bristol ,Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and seasonal service to Rennes and from Ireland West Airport Knock to Birmingham.
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 11th February 2013 All Rights Reserved.
