Emerald Airlines, an Irish regional airline that operates Aer Lingus Regional services, has recently announced another expansion of the routes it offers from Belfast City Airport.
Covering all its bases
Emerald Airlines already operates routes to key UK cities such as Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, and Leeds. In order to cover all its bases and ensure that Aer Lingus Regional serves all key corners of the United Kingdom, the carrier announced new routes to opposite sides of the UK – Glasgow, and Exeter.
The Dublin-based carrier has also recognised an increase in demand for existing services to Manchester and Birmingham and reacted accordingly by increasing the frequency of operations to up to three times a day.
Emerald Airlines’ latest expansion will likely be welcomed by the carrier, especially once you consider the fact that Aer Lingus Regional relaunched at Belfast City Airport in March of this year. Emerald Airlines took over after former Aer Lingus Regional operator Stobart Air collapsed.
It is clear that the post-pandemic boost in travel has helped Ireland’s regional service get back into shape.
Ciarán Smith, Head of Commercial at Emerald Airlines, echoed the high spirits the airline was in. The carrier was extremely pleased with the feedback it has received since beginning its operations from Belfast City Airport when it became the Aer Lingus Regional operator in March. He continued, shedding light on Emerald Airlines’ aspirations:
“Striving to be the airline of choice to and from Belfast, we are now adding to our fleet with the addition of two more aircraft. This allows us to increase the frequency of our flights in line with consumer demand, providing more options for those travelling to and from Belfast.”
Aviation Development Manager at Belfast City Airport Ellie McGimpsey commented on the high levels of demand the airport was experiencing for flights to England and Scotland. Not only for holiday purposes but to visit family, enjoy a long weekend, and (especially in light of restrictions coming to an end and workplaces across the globe returning to normal practices), business travel:
“The Aer Lingus Regional routes have been very popular with both inbound and outbound passengers, and we look forward to working together to further develop the network from Belfast City Airport.”
The Exeter and Glasgow routes will be operated by the ATR 72-600, an aircraft that has the widest cabin in the turboprop market. As the latest generation of turboprop aircraft, the ATR 72-600 is considered to be an ultra-low fuel burn aircraft that emits 40% less CO2.
All of Emerald Airlines’ routes to UK destinations (Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow) are operated by the efficient ATR 72-600.
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