Aer Arann / Aer Lingus Regional has announced a series of measures to double passenger numbers in the next five years and “join Europe’s top tier of regional airlines by 2015”.
Under its Aer Lingus Regional franchise agreement (extended to 2022), Aer Arann will add frequencies to Aer Lingus’s existing routes from Dublin to Birmingham and Manchester from this summer. Dublin – Birmingham will increase from three to six services per day, while Dublin – Manchester will go from three to five flights per day.
Aer Arann will also increase frequencies on its existing Aer Lingus Regional Dublin – Edinburgh route from four to six flights per day, and on its Dublin – Glasgow service from four to six times per day.
These additional services will increase passenger numbers by 300,000 by the end of 2014 and bring the airline’s route network to 24.
The airline will start taking delivery of eight new ATR 72-600 aircraft in May, with the new fleet expected to be fully operational in time for the summer 2014 programme.
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.
Sean Brogan, Interim Chief Executive, 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.”
