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    1. Airlines

    Aer Lingus Regional Expands its Belfast Base with New Routes to Exeter and Glasgow

    May 26, 2022
    In line with the increasing consumer demand, the airline welcomes two additional aircraft to its Belfast-based fleet.
    Related To: Emerald Airlines
    Emerald Airlines
    Ciarán Smith, head of commercial Emerald Airlines, and Ellie McGimpsey, aviation development manager at George Best Belfast City Airport
    Ciarán Smith, head of commercial Emerald Airlines, and Ellie McGimpsey, aviation development manager at George Best Belfast City Airport

    Emerald Airlines, exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional, expands its services from Belfast City Airport, with new routes to Glasgow and Exeter. Already servicing Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, and Manchester, Aer Lingus Regional will now operate Glasgow and Exeter routes from Belfast City Airport.

    In addition to the new routes, Emerald Airlines welcomes an additional two aircraft to its Belfast fleet, increasing the frequency of its existing services to Manchester and Birmingham, which now operate up to three times per day.

    Commenting on the announcement, Ciarán Smith, head of Emerald Airlines commercial, said, “We are extremely pleased with the feedback we have received since beginning our operations from Belfast City Airport. Striving to be the airline of choice to and from Belfast, we are now adding to our fleet with the addition of two more aircraft. This allows us to increase the frequency of our flights in line with consumer demand, providing more options for those travelling to and from Belfast.

    "The launch of our Glasgow and Exeter services from Belfast comes just in time for the long bank holiday weekend, allowing passengers to book last-minute getaways with convenient timings and low fares, making the most of their time off."

    Customers are now able to book flights from Belfast City Airport to Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Glasgow, and Exeter. Customers can earn Avios points on all Aer Lingus Regional flights, providing continuity and benefits of the current services offered by both Aer Lingus and British Airways at Belfast City Airport. 

    Speaking of Aer Lingus Regional’s commitment to Belfast City Airport, Ellie McGimpsey, aviation development manager at Belfast City Airport, commented, “We are seeing strong demand for flights to England and Scotland, with customers visiting family and friends, making the most of a long weekend, and getting back to business travel. These new routes will give passengers more flexibility and choice, conveniently connecting them to a number of exciting destinations across Great Britain. Customers can travel from Belfast City to Glasgow daily and Exeter up to five times per week.

    "The Aer Lingus Regional routes have been very popular with both inbound and outbound passengers, and we look forward to working together to further develop the network from Belfast City Airport.”

    Aer Lingus Regional flights will be operated by the ATR72-600, the latest generation of turboprop aircraft combining unmatched environmental and economic performance. These ultra-low fuel burn aircraft emit up to 40% less CO₂ on these short, regional flights.