Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus is the flag carrier airline of Ireland, headquartered in Dublin. It is Ireland’s oldest and largest airline operating domestic and international flights since 1936. Some key facts about Aer Lingus include:

– Founded in 1936 in Dublin as national airline of Ireland
– Hub Airport – Dublin Airport
– Alliance – Oneworld (since joining British Airways)
– Fleet Size – Over 50 aircraft
– Destinations – Over 100 worldwide
– Annual Passengers – Over 12 million
– Revenue – €1.7 billion (2019)
– Employees – Over 4,000 worldwide

Aer Lingus was formerly a state-owned airline until it was partially privatized in 2006 and then acquired by International Airlines Group (IAG) in 2015. This allowed it to join the Oneworld alliance led by British Airways and expand transatlantic services.

Route Network
Aer Lingus has an Ireland centric route network focused primarily on flights to/from Dublin Airport. It connects passengers between Ireland and major cities in the UK, Europe and North America.

Some of the key routes in Aer Lingus’ network include:

North America: New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Orlando, Toronto
UK: London Heathrow/Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh
Europe: Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Brussels
Middle East: Dubai

Within Ireland, Aer Lingus connects passengers between Dublin and other cities like Cork, Galway, Killarney and Shannon. It has a strong presence in the Ireland-UK market with multiple daily flights between Dublin and London airports.

Aer Lingus has a codeshare partnership with United Airlines which allows its passengers connectivity to United’s extensive US network.

Fleet Information
The Aer Lingus fleet is primarily focused on Airbus narrow-body aircraft suitable for short-haul flying. It has over 50 aircraft including:

– Airbus A320
– Airbus A321 Long Range (LR)
– Airbus A330 – used for some transatlantic routes

The A321LR allows Aer Lingus to serve longer routes and operate narrow-body aircraft on transatlantic flights more economically.

Cabin Classes
Aer Lingus offers two cabin classes across its fleet:
– Business Class
– Economy Class

Business Class features lie-flat seats on A330 aircraft with direct aisle access. On narrow-body fleet, it has recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration. Customers get priority boarding, lounge access, meals and amenities.

Economy Class is configured 3-3 on A320s with standard seat pitch. Meals and snacks are available for purchase, along with an inflight entertainment system.

Frequent Flyer Program
AerClub is the Aer Lingus frequent flyer program with four membership tiers:

– AerClub Member (entry level)
– AerClub Silver
– AerClub Gold
– Concierge

Members can earn Avios points on Aer Lingus, British Airways and other partner flights. Avios can be redeemed for reward flights, upgrades and other rewards. Upper tier elites get priority services, lounge access and extra baggage.

Hub Airport – Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport is the major hub and base of operations for Aer Lingus. It has extensive Aer Lingus services from Dublin including:

– Short-haul flights within Ireland and to UK/Europe
– Long-haul flights to the US and Middle East
– Quick connections onto British Airways routes
– Aer Lingus Lounges for Business Class and frequent flyer elites
– Ireland arrivals/departures serviced from the central T1 terminal
– T2 terminal houses all US preclearance facilities

Customer Service
Aer Lingus focuses on providing genuine, friendly Irish hospitality on board its flights and on the ground. Initiatives include:

– Inflight entertainment and WiFi connectivity
– Complimentary meals and beverages depending on route and fare class
– Partnerships with Irish food producers and chefs for catering
– Training staff in Irish culture and hospitality
– Allowing 1 free carry-on and checked bag on transatlantic flights
– “Arrivals Lounge” at Dublin for transatlantic Business Class passengers