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Aer Arann announces plans to join Europe’s top tier of regional airlines

Additional frequencies on key UK routes: commencing this summer, Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, will add services to the existing Aer Lingus routes of Dublin Birmingham and Dublin Manchester.

Aer Arann plans to join Europe’s top tier of regional airlines by 2015 and to double its passenger numbers to over two million in five years, it has been announced.. The airline also confirmed a 32% rise in Aer Lingus Regional passenger numbers in 2012, with total passenger growth of 16% in the past two years.

Announcing a ‘new beginning’ at the airline, Sean Brogan, Interim Chief Executive, Aer Arann outlined a package of measures to grow its customer base and route network, including:

  • Fleet renewal programme: the airline will be taking delivery of eight new aircraft. The new aircraft, ATR 72-600s, will replace the older existing fleet of ATR72-200s and ATR42s. The first new plane will commence service this May, with the remaining aircraft expected for delivery over the next 11 months. The new fleet will be fully operational in time for the summer 2014 programme.
  • Additional frequencies on key UK routes: commencing this summer, Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, will add services to the existing Aer Lingus routes of Dublin Birmingham and Dublin Manchester. These additional services will increase passenger numbers by 300,000 by the end of 2014 and bring the airline’s route network to 24. Combined with existing Aer Lingus mainline services to Manchester and Birmingham, these new services will result in a significant ramping up of frequencies to two of the busiest routes on the Ireland to UK network. Specifically, services on the Dublin-Birmingham route will go from three to six services per day while services on the Dublin-Manchester routes will go from three to five per day. It also means that the airline will be operating routes to the main UK cities. The Stobart Group is also advancing plans to add flights to London Southend airport.
  • Expansion of services: the airline is to increase frequencies on its Dublin Edinburgh and Dublin Glasgow routes. Specifically, services on the Dublin Edinburgh route will go from four up to six services per day while services on the Dublin Glasgow route will go from four up to six per day.
  • Successful restructuring: a successful restructuring of the company has been completed, putting the airline on a strong financial footing.
  • Extension of Aer Lingus agreement: 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.

Announcing the airline’s new beginning, 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.”

Concluding, Mr Brogan said: “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 maximise the opportunities that have been secured.”

News Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Posts

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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