If you’re wondering why I’m not writing about the AA/US Merger, it’s been well covered with a lot of different angles. I’ll have my commentary on it as the merger/takeover/reverse takeover continues.
Moving onto matters a bit closer to Ireland and the United Kingdom is the news that Aer Arran is reciving a new fleet of ATR 72-600’s beginning in May, with major changes to destinations between the two countries.
As Aer Arann operates under a franchise agreement with Aer Lingus, it flies the majority of its fleet for Aer Lingus routes – operating as Aer Lingus Regional.
The big increases are between the Dublin and UK’s regional centres, with the following big increases
- Dublin-Birmingham will increase from three to six services per day (three operated by Aer Arran, three by Aer Lingus)
- Dublin-Manchester will go from three to five flights per day (three operated by Aer Lingus, two by Aer Arran)
- Dublin-Edinburgh route from four to six flights per day (all operated by Aer Arran)
- Dublin-Glasgow service from four to six times per day (all operated by Aer Arran)
Aer Arran has had a tough time of it – and has pulled through its bankruptcy protection whilst revising its business plan heavily – as such the adapted
In addition to the new ATR aircraft that will be arriving, the franchise agreement that Aer Arran have signed with Aer Lingus to operate Regional services has been extended t0 2022.
It’s good to see an airline this grow and manage itself a lot better – it gives the company room to plan for the future whilst boosting services beyond the M25 around London -connecting Dublin up to improving the frequency of services to the regions of the United Kingdom.
