Aer Arann and Aer Lingus have announced that, under an expansion of their existing franchise relationship, Aer Arann will operate all of its services between Ireland and the UK, France and the Isle of Man under the Aer Lingus Regional brand from 25th March 2012.
The routes transitioning to the Aer Lingus Regional franchise brand include those between Waterford and London Southend, Manchester and London Luton and those between Dublin and the Isle of Man and Kerry.
Combined with the existing 21 Aer Lingus Regional routes available from Dublin, Cork and Shannon, which are operated by Aer Arann, the move significantly increases Aer Lingus’s presence in the Ireland-UK market. Last week the airlines announced a new Aer Lingus Regional route from Dublin to London Southend.
Passengers with Aer Arann bookings for travel after 25th March will be contacted by the airline with updated booking information. While flight numbers will change, there will be no change to existing flight times.
“We are absolutely delighted to strengthen our partnership with Aer Lingus and this move represents a major strategic development for Aer Arann,” said Aer Arann Interim Chief Executive, Sean Brogan. “Operating under one renowned brand will enable us to streamline our services, resulting in an overall improved experience for our customers.”
Aer Lingus Chief Commercial Officer Stephen Kavanagh added: “This expansion of Aer Lingus Regional’s service offers more choice and value to the travelling public. I welcome Aer Arann’s confidence in the Regional franchise model and wish them continued success.”
Aer Arann will continue to assume full operational and commercial responsibility for the services covered by the franchise agreement, with Aer Lingus receiving a franchise fee in recognition for providing its brand and product suite to Aer Arann.
All Aer Lingus Regional services will be operated using Aer Arann ATR72 and ATR42 aircraft and crew and will be sold and distributed through the Aer Lingus website.
