Aer Lingus’ Taste of America Roadshow came to Dublin’s Radisson Blu last night for a celebratory night of networking and connection before it moves onto Limerick and Cork tonight and tomorrow.
There were 26 suppliers taking part in this year’s Dublin portion of the roadshow with exciting new additions in Raleigh-Durham and Pittsburgh as Aer Lingus celebrates new routes starting this summer to even more American destinations!
For the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Aer Lingus’ new service that launches at the end of May will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with a short pause in January and February. When it comes to Raleigh, travellers can enjoy exquisite dining, attractions and accommodation in the North Carolina state by flying direct with the airline.
The twenty-six destination suppliers at the Taste of America Roadshow represent Aer Lingus’ growing strength in the transatlantic market. Last year, the airline introduced its third daily flights from Dublin to both New York JFK and Boston. The additional flights will have a late evening departure from Dublin and late-night departures from New York and Boston, allowing customers to make the most of their days on both ends of the trip. Aer Lingus’ popular new routes from Dublin to Nashville and Indianapolis, which launched last year, have seen frequency increased from four weekly flights to five this summer, and Dublin to Orlando will increase to daily flights in this year’s peak summer season. While Aer Lingus services from Shannon to Boston will also increase by three weekly flights to ten in peak summer.
Ivan Beacom, Aer Lingus BDM for Ireland and UK Leisure Sales, thanked Dublin agents for attending the roadshow last night and for their continued support in booking Aer Lingus to the USA and beyond. Main sponsors, DAA and Bradley International Airport took the stage too, to thank agents for their continued support.
Ronan Breslin, representing daa, spoke to the strength of Aer Lingus departures to the USA and the commitment of Dublin airport to facilitate easy travel for passengers. 98.8% of travellers through the airport get through security in less than twenty minutes, while their US pre-clearance continues to grow as the European gateway to the States. With five US – bound carriers, Aer Lingus continues to dominate, helping to make Dublin Airport the fourth most connected for destinations to North America with two hundred and forty flights to the US per week, the airport saw 765k transfer passengers to and from the US last year.
Michael Collins, representing Bradley International Airport, also took the stage to speak to the airport’s perfect location in New England, with Aer Lingus’ service connecting passengers to Connecticut and beyond! Last year, the airport saw the completion of a 250 million USD upgrade with new baggage facilities, gates and dining options. Adding to the airport’s new concourse is new meet and greet areas and the addition of extra space that will provide faster and more direct access to baggage claims, vehicle rentals, ground transportation and shuttles.
Alongside a buffet of American delights: chicken and waffles, pizzas, lasagna and key lime pies, there were some incredible prizes to be won by agents last night. From return flights to Denver, to a 3-night stay in Raleigh with flights included, to goodie bags from suppliers, gift vouchers and chocolates- there was lots to be celebrating as the Ireland-USA relationship continues to strength.
The Roadshow travels to Limerick this evening – taking place in the Strand Hotel from 6pm. Tomorrow night the roadshow, which began in Belfast on Monday, will see its final night in Cork’s Hayfield Manor Hotel.
