NEW CHAPTER FOR AER LINGUS AFTER STOBART FAILURE

AER LINGUS has signed a 10-year franchise agreement with Emerald Airlines to operate its regional flights, starting from January 2023.

Emerald will replace former franchise partner, Stobart Air, which ceased trading in June.

Aer Lingus said until the agreement comes into play, it will continue to “work closely with Emerald Airlines to evaluate options with respect to an earlier contract start date".

Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive, said the franchise agreement "marks a new chapter" and “significantly boosts" the airline’s intent to develop Dublin Airport as a hub between Europe and the US.

She said it will also facilitate convenient connections between Ireland and regional airports in the UK, the Isle of Man and Jersey, with options for network expansion to other airports in the future.