Aer Lingus Regional, on behalf of Aer Arann, marked the first anniversary of operating to London Southend by introducing its brand new ATR-72-600 aircraft to passengers and the media. The route, which was launched in May 2012, has carried 55,000 passengers in the first year to London Southend. The route is expected to grow by 20% this year.
Simon Fagan, Chief Operating Officer of Aer Arann, speaking at the birthday celebrations, said: “We are delighted to mark the first anniversary of this key route in the Aer Lingus Regional network. It is tremendous to take delivery of the first ATR-72-600 as part of a new eight-aircraft €144 million deal.
The flight schedule from Dublin to London Southend has been adjusted so that the first morning flight now departs Dublin at 07.15 arriving in London Southend at the earlier time of 08.50. This facilitates a day return for business travellers as there is now a return flight from Southend at 19.30 the same day.
The new ATR-72-600 can carry 72 passengers in new lightweight seats, has larger overhead bins, and has many new features over older ATR aircraft.
