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Aer Lingus establishes Belfast base
Aer Lingus is to re-establish a key UK trunk route between Belfast and Heathrow by setting up a base in Northern Ireland.
The Irish airline is to run 12 flights a week between Belfast International Airport and the London hub from January 14 in a codeshare with British Airways.
Aer Lingus is transferring take off and landing slots at Heathrow from a route to Shannon to allow for the launch of Belfast flights.
“In the current climate, Aer Lingus believes the Belfast-Heathrow services present an accelerated growth opportunity, using its available fleet and slot resources,” a statement said.
An additional seven routes are to be launched from the province between December this year and February 2008 at a cost of 150 million euros, creating more than 100 new jobs.
Aer Lingus believes the Belfast base has the potential for up to one million new passengers a year and will base three Airbus 320s at the airport.
Other destinations to be served include Amsterdam with 14 flights a week from December 10. Barcelona will have five flights a week and Geneva two a week from the same date.
Rome, Budapest, Malaga and Faro will be added to the network on February 25.
Belfast is the carrier’s first base outside the Republic of Ireland and was chosen after an “extensive evaluation of opportunities throughout Europe”.
The move will enhance competition at the airport where budget carriers easyJet and Jet2.com have expanding networks.
Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion said: “The opening of our new base is a significant and ground-breaking move fro Aer Lingus. This decision reflects our commitment to delivering profitable growth, low fares for customers and value for our shareholders.
“The timing of our entry into the market enables us to capitalise on a strong commercial opportunity and also encourages the growing economic relationship between the north and south of the island of Ireland.
“Belfast is becoming an increasingly popular destination for visitors from all over the world.”
by Phil Davies
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