Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus is the national airline of Ireland, founded in 1936. It is a subsidiary of International Airlines Group (IAG) and operates over 100 routes between Europe and North America from its main hub at Dublin Airport. The airline provides both short-haul and long-haul services, using a fleet of Airbus aircraft, including the A321neoLR and A330 models.

Aer Lingus has partnerships with multiple airlines, including British Airways, American Airlines, and United Airlines, allowing it to expand its network through codeshare agreements. It also operates Aer Lingus Regional flights through a franchise agreement with Emerald Airlines.

The airline focuses on sustainability and has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. It is investing in modern fuel-efficient aircraft and operational improvements to reduce its environmental impact. Aer Lingus is also involved in social responsibility initiatives, such as its UNICEF in-flight collection programme and sponsorship of Special Olympics Ireland.

Aer Lingus supports sports sponsorships, including being the official airline partner of the Irish Rugby Football Union and promoting American football events in Ireland. It operates AerClub, a loyalty programme where members can earn and redeem Avios points for flights and travel benefits.

The airline has undergone significant changes, including privatisation between 2006 and 2015 and its acquisition by IAG. It faced multiple takeover attempts by Ryanair, which were blocked due to competition concerns. Aer Lingus has a hybrid business model, offering low-cost services on short-haul flights and a full-service experience on transatlantic routes.

The airline has a strong safety record and continues to expand its transatlantic operations, including new routes such as Dublin to Indianapolis from 2025. It operates with a modernised brand and livery introduced in 2019.

Aer Lingus was founded on 15 April 1936 by the Irish Government with a capital of £100,000. It was established under the Air Navigation and Transport Act (1936) as the national airline of Ireland. The first flight took place on 27 May 1936, operating from Baldonnel Airfield in Dublin to Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport in the United Kingdom, using a de Havilland DH.84 Dragon aircraft named Iolar (Eagle). Later in 1936, Aer Lingus acquired a second aircraft, a de Havilland DH.86 Express, which enabled the airline to operate flights from Dublin to London via Bristol.

In 1937, the Irish Government created Aer Rianta to manage civil aviation, and Aer Lingus became its subsidiary. In 1938, Aer Lingus acquired new aircraft, including a de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide and additional DH.86 models. By 1939, Aer Lingus introduced its first all-metal aircraft, the Lockheed 14s, and moved its operations to the newly opened Dublin Airport in 1940. Due to World War II, the airline operated limited services, primarily between Dublin and Liverpool.

After the war, Aer Lingus resumed full operations in 1945, launching flights to London and later expanding to other European destinations. In 1946, Aer Lingus entered an agreement with British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and British European Airways (BEA), giving the airline exclusive rights to UK-Ireland traffic. It added new aircraft, including the Douglas DC-3 and Vickers Viking. In 1947, the Irish Government established Aerlínte Éireann to handle transatlantic flights, but the first transatlantic service did not begin until 1958 with the Lockheed Constellation aircraft flying from Shannon to New York. In 1960, Aerlínte Éireann was integrated into Aer Lingus, and the airline entered the jet age by acquiring Boeing 720 aircraft.

During the 1960s, Aer Lingus expanded its European and transatlantic routes. It introduced BAC One-Eleven jets for European flights in 1965 and Boeing 737 aircraft in 1969. In 1971, the airline received its first Boeing 747 aircraft for long-haul flights. Aer Lingus continued expanding its fleet and services, adding routes to the United States and Canada. The 1980s saw the airline introduce the Aer Lingus Commuter division to operate regional services within Ireland and the UK using Short 360 aircraft.

In 1994, Aer Lingus launched direct flights from Dublin to the United States using Airbus A330 aircraft. This led to the retirement of Boeing 747 aircraft and the brief introduction of Boeing 767s. The airline also expanded its European network with the introduction of Airbus A321 and A320 aircraft. By the early 2000s, Aer Lingus had transitioned to an all-Airbus fleet, retiring its last Boeing 737 aircraft in 2005.

In 2006, Aer Lingus was privatised, and its shares were listed on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges. The airline withdrew from the Oneworld alliance in 2007, opting for bilateral agreements with various carriers. In 2008, Aer Lingus established a base at London Gatwick Airport, but this was later closed in 2015. The airline faced multiple takeover attempts by Ryanair, but these were blocked by the European Commission due to competition concerns.

In 2015, International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, acquired Aer Lingus after purchasing Ryanair’s 30% stake. Following the acquisition, Aer Lingus remained an independent brand under IAG but benefited from expanded network connectivity. It focused on transatlantic expansion, adding new routes to the United States and Canada, including Washington, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 severely affected the airline’s operations, leading to job cuts and network reductions. However, Aer Lingus continued operating cargo and repatriation flights during the crisis. By 2021, the airline began rebuilding its network and announced the launch of new long-haul services from Manchester to the United States and the Caribbean. In 2024, Aer Lingus planned to introduce the Airbus A321XLR for transatlantic flights but faced operational delays, leading to the aircraft being transferred to Iberia. The airline announced a new route from Dublin to Indianapolis in 2025, further expanding its North American network.

Today, Aer Lingus operates a fleet of Airbus aircraft and serves over 100 routes. It remains committed to sustainability, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The airline continues to be Ireland’s primary international carrier, maintaining a hybrid business model with low-cost short-haul services and full-service transatlantic flights.

Aer Lingus aims to connect Ireland with the world by providing safe, reliable, and efficient air travel. The airline focuses on offering a high-quality experience for passengers while maintaining affordability and operational efficiency. It is committed to sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and investing in modern aircraft. Aer Lingus works closely with partner airlines to expand its global network, ensuring seamless connections for travellers. The airline prioritises customer service, safety, and innovation to enhance the travel experience. As Ireland’s national airline, Aer Lingus continues to support economic growth and tourism by strengthening its international presence.

Aer Lingus envisions being a leading airline that connects Ireland to key destinations worldwide. The airline aims to grow its transatlantic and European network while maintaining high safety and service standards. It seeks to become more sustainable by adopting new technologies and fuel-efficient aircraft. Aer Lingus strives to provide a comfortable and seamless journey for passengers while staying competitive in the aviation industry. The airline plans to expand partnerships and improve digital services to enhance customer convenience. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Aer Lingus aims to remain a trusted and preferred airline for future generations.

Aer Lingus has received several awards for its service, safety, and sustainability efforts. It has been recognised for its transatlantic business class, earning awards for its comfortable seating and premium inflight experience. The airline has also been praised for its punctuality and customer service, receiving high ratings for reliability. Aer Lingus has won awards for its sustainability initiatives, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The airline’s loyalty programme, AerClub, has been recognised for offering valuable rewards. Its commitment to operational excellence and passenger experience has made it one of Europe’s leading airlines, with consistent industry recognition.

Aer Lingus provides a range of products and services designed to offer a comfortable and efficient travel experience. The airline operates both short-haul and long-haul flights, serving over 100 routes across Europe and North America. As Ireland’s national airline, Aer Lingus focuses on safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction while maintaining a competitive pricing structure.

Flight Services

Aer Lingus operates flights within Europe and to major cities in North America. The airline uses a modern fleet of Airbus aircraft, including the A320 for short-haul routes and the A330 for long-haul flights. It has also introduced the A321neoLR, which is designed for fuel efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort on transatlantic routes.

Short-haul flights offer an economy-class service with the option to purchase additional amenities such as priority boarding, extra baggage, and onboard refreshments. Long-haul flights provide both economy and business class options. Business class passengers enjoy priority check-in, lounge access, fully reclining seats, and premium dining.

AerClub Loyalty Programme

Aer Lingus operates a loyalty programme called AerClub, which allows passengers to earn Avios points when flying with the airline or making purchases with its partners. Avios can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping. AerClub has four membership tiers:

Green (Entry level)

Silver (Additional benefits like priority check-in)

Platinum (More rewards and lounge access)

Concierge (Highest level with personalised services)

The programme is designed for both frequent and occasional travellers, providing benefits at every level.

Partnerships and Codeshare Agreements

Aer Lingus has codeshare agreements with several international airlines, including British Airways, American Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and Iberia. These partnerships allow passengers to book seamless connections to destinations beyond the Aer Lingus network while earning loyalty points.

Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Emerald Airlines, provides additional domestic and short-haul flights, ensuring connectivity to smaller cities.

Onboard Experience

Aer Lingus offers a comfortable onboard experience with features tailored for both short-haul and long-haul passengers.

Economy Class: Includes comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment on long-haul flights, and a buy-on-board menu for short-haul routes.

Business Class: Available on transatlantic flights, featuring lie-flat seats, fine dining, priority boarding, and lounge access.

The airline provides Wi-Fi services on selected aircraft, allowing passengers to stay connected during their journey.

Baggage and Travel Extras

Aer Lingus offers different baggage options based on the fare type. Economy fares include a small cabin bag, while checked baggage comes with additional fees unless included in the ticket. Business class passengers have higher baggage allowances.

Other travel extras include:

Pre-booked meals: Available on long-haul flights.

Fast-track security clearance: Available at selected airports.

Seat selection: Passengers can pre-select seats for an extra fee.

Car hire and hotel booking: Offered through travel partners.

Sustainability Initiatives

Aer Lingus is committed to sustainability and aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The airline invests in fuel-efficient aircraft, eco-friendly operations, and carbon reduction projects. It also supports Unicef’s Change for Good programme, collecting donations onboard for children in need.