Aer Lingus is to launch its first ever transatlantic flights direct from Manchester starting this summer.
Non-stop services to New York JFK and Orlando will launch on July 29, Barbados on October 20 and Boston in summer 2022.
New York will be a daily service, Orlando five times a week, Barbados three times a week and Boston schedules are yet to be confirmed.
JFK and Boston routes will be operated by the airline’s new single-aisle Airbus A321LR, which means Aer Lingus will be the first airline to operate the aircraft on regular scheduled services between the UK and the US.
Services to Orlando and Barbados will be operated by larger Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
The New York JFK and Boston services will serve 58 onward destinations, with schedules designed to maximise onward connectivity to destinations such as Las Vegas, Nashville, and Jamaica, and for the first time from Manchester to San Jose, Bermuda and Dallas.
David Shepherd, Aer Lingus Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Aer Lingus has been flying to North America for more than 60 years and we also have a proud history with Manchester Airport.
“With so many people missing out on travel due to Covid-19 over the past year, Aer Lingus is delighted to be sharing this positive news, announcing a great choice for customers and creating up to 120 jobs in the North of England.”
Karen Smart, Manchester Airport Managing Director, added: “These routes will be a great addition to the departure boards here at Manchester as we look forward to restarting international travel.
“Aer Lingus’ commitment to these new services will be a real boost for those passengers we know are keen to start travelling as soon as the current restrictions can be lifted. This demonstration of pent-up demand is another reason why it is more important than ever that the Government develops proposals to restart travel that are clear, uncomplicated and affordable. We eagerly await the findings of the Global Travel Taskforce in April.”
Aer Lingus has extended its ‘Book with Confidence’ offer until December 31 2021.
The offer, available on all fare types, allows customers to change their bookings as many times as they like, even up to two hours before they fly, with no change fee.
