Chalk up another 500 aircraft in the Starlink inflight internet fleet, with British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling committed to a full fleet deployment.
Aer Lingus
IAG Continues Wide-Body Fleet Modernization
International Airlines Group continues to split its fleet between Airbus and Boeing, with confirmation of a 71 aircraft order to modernize and grow its long-haul operations.
United, Aer Lingus cut codeshare (but are still partners)
United Airlines and Aer Lingus will halt their codeshare operations at the end of this week, but their frequent flier partnership remains intact.
Aer Lingus UK receives initial US authorization to fly
The new Aer Lingus UK flights between Manchester, UK and the USA moved a step closer to reality. The US Department of Transportation issued a Show Cause order approving the carrier’s plans and asking for any final objections. Lacking those (and none are expected) the order should take effect by the end of the month.
Aer Lingus UK gains operating certificate, with a limited range
Aer Lingus UK finally secured its operating certificate from British authorities, paving the way for the carrier to launch its operations from Manchester to the US and Caribbean islands later this year. But broarder expansion may be hampered by the fine print in that AOC document.
Carry-on bags now cost more with Aer Lingus basic economy fares
The cheapest fares on Aer Lingus no longer include a carry-on bag allowance. The carrier will now charge passengers flying intra-Europe on Saver fares to bring a bag into the cabin; a smaller personal item remains free.
Aer Lingus delays Manchester-US service launch
The Aer Lingus hub at Manchester, UK is taking a delay. Citing slower than expected reopening of the US-UK travel corridor, Aer Lingus will delay the launch of US routes two months, now planning New York and Orlando flights to begin on 30 September 2020.
Aer Lingus launches TATL routes from Manchester
The new Aer Lingus base in Manchester, UK is officially open for business. The carrier confirmed its first four destinations in the Americas – New York City, Orlando, Barbados, and Boston – with flights beginning from 29 July. These are the first non-stop flights from the UK across the Atlantic for the airline.
Aer Lingus Launches UK subsidiary, applies for US route authorities
Aer Lingus (U.K.) Limited is the latest airline seeking access to the US market. The newly established subsidiary of Aer Lingus is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland and will be the aircraft operator of record for the company’s planned Manchester, UK base in Summer 2021.
Aer Lingus adds Manchester base for Summer 2021
Earlier this summer rumors were swirling about a possible UK base for some Aer Lingus planes. It now appears that Manchester is the airport of choice for those operations. The carrier secured just over 1,500 new slots at the airport, enough to operate a full summer of flights with four long-haul aircraft.