Air Lingus will launch their first ever nonstop transatlantic flights from Manchester to the US and Caribbean with four new routes including service to New York, Orlando, Boston and Barbados.
On Wednesday (March 24, 2024), Aer Lingus announced their first-ever nonstop service from Manchester to the US and Caribbean. From July 29, 2021, the carrier will offer flights from Manchester to New York-JFK and Orlando, while Manchester-Barbados service will commence on October 20, 2021. Aer Lingus plans on launching Manchester-Boston flights from summer 2022. The New York and Boston routes will be operated with a new single-aisle Airbus A321LR, making Aer Lingus the first carrier to operate the type between the UK and US. The aircraft offers greater fuel-efficiency and a 50 percent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft. Flights to the popular holiday destinations of Orlando and Barbados will be operated with the airline’s widebody Airbus A330-300s.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Aer Lingus’ Chief Commercial Officer, David Shepherd, said,
“We are delighted to offer high-quality, direct, non-stop, business and leisure travel options, at very reasonable prices for travellers and holidaymakers across the North of England. Aer Lingus has been flying to North America for more than 60 years and we also have a proud history with Manchester Airport. With so many people missing out on travel due to Covid-19 over the past year, Aer Lingus is delighted to be sharing this positive news today, announcing a great choice for customers and creating up to 120 jobs in the North of England.
“We believe our transatlantic offering is one of the best in the marketplace comprising both business and economy cabins. Equally our operation of the new and innovative Airbus A321LR aircraft marks a further milestone as Aer Lingus will be one of the first carriers to fly the aircraft between the UK and the US. We look forward to commencing our transatlantic services this summer.”
Also commenting on the new Aer Lingus routes, Manchester Airport’s Managing Director, Karen Smart, added,
“These routes will be a great addition to the departure boards here at Manchester as we look forward to restarting international travel. Pre-pandemic there were more than 5.5 million passengers who crossed the Atlantic each year via Manchester and so to be able to offer these services with a new carrier is great news. In addition, Aer Lingus’s commitment to the U.K’s northern gateway results in the creation of 120 much-needed jobs.
“Aer Lingus’ commitment to these new services will be a real boost for those passengers we know are keen to start travelling as soon as the current restrictions can be lifted. This demonstration of pent-up demand is another reason why it is more important than ever that the Government develops proposals to restart travel that are clear, uncomplicated and affordable. We eagerly await the findings of the Global Taskforce in April.''
Aer Lingus is one of Manchester’s longest-serving carriers and currently offers flights to Dublin and Belfast, with service to Cork scheduled to resume this summer. The airline is offering highly competitive Business and Economy Class fares on the new transatlantic flights from Manchester this summer with one-way fares from only £199, as part of a return trip. The carrier’s expansion at Manchester will create up to 120 new jobs, including cabin crew, maintenance & engineering, and ground operations positions. Guests traveling to New York and Boston will enjoy 58 seamless onward connections to exciting destinations such as Las Vegas, Nashville, Dallas, San Jose, Bermuda and Jamaica.
Aer Lingus has extended their ‘Book With Confidence’ program through December 31, 2021, allowing guests to change their flights up to two hours prior to departure without a fee, though a fare difference may apply. The offer is available for all fare types and customers will enjoy the flexibility of unlimited changes. Additionally, customers will soon be able to book Aer Lingus flights through British Airways and British Airways Holidays.
Aer Lingus is a Skytrax 4-Star rated airline and their award-winning Business Class offers a fully-flat 6.5ft long bed, complimentary Wi-Fi with access to over 7,000 digital newspapers/magazines, and a carefully curated local menu during their flight. Economy Class guests are treated to complimentary meals and soft drinks and can access Wi-Fi as a paid-for service. All Aer Lingus guests receive free access to a world of entertainment including blockbuster movies, box sets, games and more.
Source: Aer Lingus