Emerald Airlines and Aer Lingus have signed a franchise agreement. The agreement, which will begin in January 2023, will cover the operation of Aer Lingus Regional flights for a ten-year period.
Despite the fact that the contract is not set to begin for another 18 months, Aer Lingus is continuing to work closely with Emerald Airlines to assess opportunities for an earlier contract start date in light of Stobart Air’s recent closure.
The new franchise arrangement will help Aer Lingus achieve its Dublin hub goal by connecting UK rural airports to North America through Dublin.
The arrangement will provide rapid and convenient connections between Ireland and regional airports in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, and Jersey, with the possibility of future network expansion to further airports.
Emerald Airlines will fly ATR turboprops with Aer Lingus branding and livery on regional routes under the terms of the arrangement.
Between now until the start of service in 2023, the new deal could create around 400 additional jobs.
“Aer Lingus’ strategic intent to develop Dublin Airport as a hub between Europe and the US, to deliver greater connectivity and aviation jobs, is significantly boosted by today’s announcement,” said Lynne Embleton, CEO of Aer Lingus.
“This franchise agreement with Emerald Airlines marks a new chapter in Aer Lingus Regional services and brings choice and certainty to our customers flying between Ireland, the UK and beyond. We very much look forward to partnering with Emerald Airlines, and to growing and developing Aer Lingus Regional over the coming years.”
Following Stobart Air’s unexpected shutdown in June, Aer Lingus moved rapidly to prepare a substitute schedule for Aer Lingus Regional passengers, operating six routes until at least the end of March next year.
– India’s new age travel digital media