- Long-haul:
- 350 more transatlantic flights for Winter 2017
- 13pc increase in transtlantic capacity compared to 2016
- New Airbus A330-300 in operation for full winter season
- 12 flights per week to US West Coast
- Short-haul:
- 194,000 more seats to Europe
- New winter route to Bilbao
- 47,000 extra seats to key European cities of Hamburg and Zurich
- Additional 50,000 seats to Birmingham
- Additional peak morning flight from Dublin to London
Aer Lingus is to add 300,000 seats to its European and North American routes as it unveiled its Winter 2017 schedule. Bilbao in northern Spain is the airline’s new winter short-haul destination with a 3w service from Dublin.
The airline is also offering €50 off round trips to North America, if booked by midnight on August 15. It’s adding 350 additional transatlantic flights to North America, a 13pc increase in capacity compared to last year. The Dublin to Toronto service will see a 96pc increase in capacity with four flights per week, operated on a larger Airbus A330.
Aer Lingus Cabin Crew’s Michelle Thompson
With daily services to San Francisco and a five times weekly service Los Angeles during peak winter months, Aer Lingus will operate up to 12 flights per week to the US West Coast. Dublin to Washington will become daily during peak months resulting in 44pc additional capacity.
“This Winter is our biggest yet with considerable expansion of our long-haul and European networks,” said Mike Rutter, Chief Operating Officer. “While summer is traditionally the time of year to jet off, winter is certainly gathering pace and this year’s schedule boasts great value and choice across the UK, Europe and North America. Our 2017 Winter short-haul network marks significant investment in key UK routes such as London and Birmingham as well as European cities and winter sun destinations.”
The European network will see increased capacity to key European cities such as Hamburg, operating up to 10 flights per week, double the frequency of last year, as well as Zurich, also operating 10 services per week. Winter sun-wise, there will be 190,000 seats to the Canary Islands, while Bordeaux gets a 4w service, with 7w to Lyons.
The Dublin to Birmingham service is getting 50,000 additional seats and the Dublin to London service will have an extra early morning flight, resulting in 56,000 extra seats.
