Aer Lingus today announced further expansion of its Transatlantic network from Dublin and Shannon in 2014, creating 200 new jobs. The airline’s transatlantic capacity will increase by 24% in 2014, after 13% additional capacity in its transatlantic schedule this year.
The airline said it is launching a year round route between Dublin and San Francisco from next April, with five flights a week using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
Aer Lingus also said it will start a new daily year-round service from Dublin to Toronto from April 2014 and up to four times weekly during the winter season using Boeing 757-200 aircraft.
Two Boeing B757-200 aircraft will be based in Shannon to operate year-round increased frequencies to Boston from January 2014 and New York JFK from March 2014.
To support the operation of the new routes, Aer Lingus will wet lease three Boeing 757 aircraft from ASL Aviation Group. The aircraft will be configured with an economy and business class cabin.
This growth plan will bring the Aer Lingus long haul schedule to 10 daily transatlantic services, connecting Ireland and Europe with cities throughout North America, further strengthening Dublin Airport as an Transatlantic hub.
Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Muller said “Our transatlantic business goes from strength to strength. This expansion is extremely positive news for Aer Lingus and for the broader economy in terms of business, tourism and employment. Our transatlantic capacity will increase by 24% in 2014, following on from the 13% additional capacity in our 2013 transatlantic schedule.
Our operation of the San Francisco route will strengthen Ireland’s ties with Silicon Valley and encourage Ireland’s development as a technology hub for Europe. San Francisco’s Silicon Valley is home to many of the world’s largest technology companies and several of these companies have European headquarters in Dublin.
Toronto is the sixth biggest North American market out of Ireland. In addition to being a great tourist destination, the city is home to a large Irish community and we look forward to welcoming them on board.
We are confident that the increased number of flights from Shannon to New York and Boston will bring additional tourists to the Western region. The increased frequency opens up additional connectivity to almost 40 cities in North America with our airline partners.
Very importantly, this expansion will directly support more than 200 jobs within Aer Lingus and our partner airline ASL Aviation Group.”
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 3rd July 2013 All Rights Reserved.
