Emerald Airlines Welcomes Industry Veterans Christopher Buckley, Jane O’Callaghan, and John Higgins, to its Board of Directors
Dublin – January 26, 2022: Emerald Airlines, Ireland's newest airline, and exclusive operator of the Aer Lingus Regional franchise announces three new additions to its Board of Directors, comprising industry veterans Christopher Buckley; former Senior Airbus Executive, Jane O’Callaghan; Seasoned Dublin-based aircraft leasing executive & Chief Commercial Officer of AMCK Aviation; John Higgins, former President, and Chief Commercial Officer at Avolon; who will join existing board members, Conor McCarthy and Anne Townsend.
The three new Directors, who are also investors in the airline, will assist the existing Board and the Emerald leadership team in setting strategy, agreeing annual Budgets and oversight of results, and ensure that Emerald Airlines is managed to the highest standards of corporate governance. In addition, they will have an active role in the airline’s Safety, Security & Compliance Review Board.
Commenting on the announcement, Conor McCarthy Founder and CEO of Emerald Airlines said: “I am delighted to welcome Chris, Jane, and John, all seasoned aviation experts, to the Emerald Airlines Board. Their decades of experience in dealing with airlines all over the world, including many of today’s most successful airlines, combined with their extensive knowledge and contacts within the aviation industry, puts us in an extremely strong position when it comes to strategy-setting and maintaining a strong culture of governance at the airline”.
Emerald Airlines and Aer Lingus recently announced their accelerated plans for the launch of regional routes, with tickets already on sale. The flights operated under a franchise agreement by Emerald Airlines will commence on 26th February as Aer Lingus Regional. This will result in Emerald Airlines flying over 360 flights per week across 12 routes with fares starting at €29.99, with further route announcements to be made in the coming weeks.
Earlier this month [January], Emerald Airlines was selected as the new operator of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) air route between Donegal and Dublin, which will commence 26th February 2022.
In addition, the airline announced its expansion out of Belfast City Airport, with a new base offering more choice and convenience to customers. Emerald Airlines intends to operate high-frequency routes from Belfast City to; Birmingham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, and Manchester. These new routes form part of a long-term deal reached between Emerald Airlines and Belfast City Airport to establish a new home-based carrier at the city-centre airport with ambitious growth plans and further new routes to be announced throughout 2022.
Emerald Airlines is continuing with the growth of its fleet of ATR72-600s. The ATR72-600, the latest generation of turboprop aircraft combining environmental and economic performance, has a significant environmental advantage over regional jets and other turboprop aircraft emitting up to 40% less CO2 on short, regional flights.
Recruitment is ongoing at Emerald Airlines with more information on positions available on Emerald Airlines’ careers page.
