Aer Lingus Launches Its Schedule For Summer Of 2022; Returning And New Air Services Announced For Dublin, Shannon And Cork Airports

Aer Lingus has launched its schedule for the summer of 2022, and returning and new services have been announced for Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports.

Details

In a statement published on aerlingus.com, Aer Lingus said, "Summer 2022 is on sale now! Look forward to your "best holiday ever. Choose from amazing destinations like the Algarve, Malaga, the Canaries and more.

"Our Summer 2022 Schedule

"With 71 routes and 62 destinations, we are delighted to offer you lots of choice for your summer 2022 getaway.

"Flights within Europe

"We are ramping up our short-haul capacity between now and Summer 2022, flying at least 50 European routes next summer. 41 routes will fly from Dublin - with more to be added in the coming weeks, and a further 6 from Cork. We will operate to Heathrow from Shannon and Belfast, and to Gatwick from Knock.

"The schedule will include favourite destinations for Irish holidaymakers seeking summer sun next year in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Canaries and the Med, as well as lots of city break destinations to choose from throughout Europe, with flights starting at €35.99 each way including taxes and charges.

"Transatlantic Flights

"16 direct transatlantic flights will be available next summer. These include favourite destinations such as New York, Chicago, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Toronto, Washington, Seattle and Philadelphia from as little as €169 each way including taxes and charges. Aer Lingus will re-introduce flying from Shannon in March to JFK and Boston with 14 flights per week to the USA.

"Direct flights from Manchester to Barbados, New York and Orlando are all available to book now, as well as connecting options from Dublin and Cork.

"We are also delighted to support the return of US College Football to the Aviva Stadium in August 2022, welcoming the teams and supporters of the Northwestern Wildcats and the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

"Flexible Flights Extended

"Due to popular demand, we have extended our "Book with Confidence" policy which allows you to change your plans easily.

"Free, unlimited changes

"Change your flight for free on any route and any fare type as often as you need up until 7 days before departure.

"The free change applies to any flight - just change your travel date before 30 September 2022. A fare difference may "apply.

"Guaranteed voucher

"Choose our Plus, Smart, Advantage, Flex, Business or Business Flex fare and you can get a voucher if you decide not to travel.

"Apply for a voucher at least 14 days in advance of your flight and it will be with you within 30 days. Use it to buy flights, bags, seat selection and lounge access.

"Cash refund

"Choose our Advantage, Flex, Business or Business Flex fare and you'll get a cash refund if you decide not to travel.

"If you have purchased one of these fare types and you want to cancel your plans, you can apply for a cash refund via our Refund Request page."

In a separate statement published on mediacentre.aerlingus.com, Aer Lingus said, "Aer Lingus today unveiled an ambitious schedule for Summer 2022 which includes 16* transatlantic routes as the airline seeks to reconnect Ireland to the world. Aer Lingus will operate 71 routes and 62 destinations in Summer 2022.

"Aer Lingus already has a strong Christmas schedule on sale and will incrementally build capacity in the lead up to Summer 2022. This strong schedule reflects the airline’s ambition to build to pre-pandemic levels of flying over time and anticipates continued momentum in customer demand.

"Aer Lingus' most recent consumer survey conducted in September showed that almost 2 in 3 (65%) adults in Ireland are planning to travel internationally in 2022, whether that’s to reconnect with family and friends, to have that important business meeting in-person, or to simply enjoy a relaxing and refreshing break abroad.

"Due to popular demand, Aer Lingus has extended its market-leading 'Book with Confidence' policy which allows all customers travelling with the airline to change their travel dates free of charge*, and as many times as they wish, up to seven days before they travel. The flexible booking policy is available on all bookings up until 30^th September 2022.

"The welcome return of flying to North America

"Anticipating strong customer demand for travel to / from North America, following 18 months of travel restrictions, direct flights are available to favourite destinations such as New York, Chicago, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Toronto, Washington, Seattle and Philadelphia from as little as €169 each way including taxes and charges. Aer Lingus will re-introduce flying from Shannon in March to JFK and Boston with 14 flights per week to the USA.

"Aer Lingus is also delighted to support the return of the US College Football to the Aviva Stadium in August 2022, welcoming the teams and supporters of the Northwestern Wildcats and the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

"Summer in Europe

"Aer Lingus will ramp up short-haul capacity between now and Summer 2022, flying at least 50 short-haul routes next summer, 41 routes will fly from Dublin - with more to be added in the coming weeks, and a further 7 from Cork. Aer Lingus will operate to Heathrow from Shannon and Belfast, and to Gatwick from Knock. The schedule will include favourite destinations for Irish holidaymakers seeking summer sun next year in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Canaries and the Med, as well as lots of city break destinations to choose from throughout Europe, with flights starting at €35.99 each way including taxes and charges.

"Speaking about the new Summer 2022 schedule, Reid Moody, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer said, 'This is an ambitious schedule for Summer 2022 and an important step for the airline, and the country, as we reconnect Ireland to the world. We know from our customer research that Irish people are very keen to get back flying, and we certainly are looking forward to welcoming them on board again.

"'Month by month, we can see more and more people taking to the skies again. We're confident that the demand is there for travel next year, and that is reflected in our announcement today.

"'We can assure everyone that we continue to deploy all of our health and safety measures from check-in through to boarding, and on-board the aircraft.  We are also delighted to announce the extension of our market-leading book with confidence policy, giving customers the option to change flights for free* up to seven days before they fly.'

"To book a Summer 2022 break and for more information, please visit aerlingus.com."

A statement published on shannonairport.ie said, "Shannon Group CEO Mary Considine has warmly welcomed todays' announcement by Aer Lingus to resume transatlantic services from Shannon Airport to New York and Boston next year and the continuation of its Heathrow service from Shannon.

"'Today is a great day for the West of Ireland economy. It is great to get these strategic routes back which support thousands of jobs across the tourism and industry sectors. Shannon to JFK and Boston are key services so to see Aer Lingus recommence these routes next year is hugely positive. These are essential routes not just from an inbound and outbound tourism viewpoint, but they are critical also from a business travel perspective. Over 40% of US FDI companies are located within Shannon Airport’s catchment and these services very much underpin that investment,' she said.

"Ms Considine also welcomed the airline's continuation of the vital Heathrow service. 'We are delighted to have the Heathrow service back here already and its continuation is very important to Shannon Airport and the wider region. This is an essential strategic route that provides vital hub connectivity for our entire region."

"She added, 'It's still early days  in our recovery but we are very encouraged by the response of our airline partners, including Aer Lingus today. This is a very significant statement regarding the importance of the Shannon market on key international routes and a most welcome and timely commitment as we continue our COVID recovery. We have no doubt that these flights will be hugely supported from across the region and we look forward to working closely with Aer Lingus to ensure the success of their services.'

"Ms Considine said that as challenging as the pandemic was for the airport and its staff, the time was spent wisely with the introduction of improvements across the Shannon campus that will ensure an enhanced customer experience in recovery.

"'Our new airport security screening system, for example, will ensure a quick, smoother and easier experience for our passengers, halving the time they spend in this area. This, along with our combined USA TSA and Europe security screening, gives Shannon a unique edge over other airports internationally and lives up to our brand promise to make our airport experience even easier,' says Ms. Considine.

A statement published on irelandwestairport.com said, "Ireland West Airport has today welcomed the news that Aer Lingus will increase capacity, to a daily service, on its London Gatwick route for summer 2022.

"This comes as welcome news for the West and North West of Ireland as the Gatwick service provides critically important connectivity for the business and diaspora communities, not just with the London market, but as a gateway from the West of Ireland to Europe, with London Gatwick offering a wide range of international connections.

"Welcoming today's announcement, Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport said, 'We are delighted to welcome today's news that Aer Lingus will increase the frequency of its London Gatwick service, to a daily operation, from summer 2022 onwards. In addition we are delighted to see the service has now also been extended to operate throughout the winter season following the resumption of the service on December 18th.  This is a critically important service for the airport and a significant contributor to the West of Ireland economy and today’s news is a further vote of confidence in the airport and our region as we look to rebuild our route network following the devastating impact of COVID-19 over the last 18 months. We look forward to welcoming Aer Lingus back to the airport and to working closely with the team to ensure the service continues to go from strength to strength in 2022 and beyond.'"

Tourism Ireland stated, "Tourism Ireland warmly welcomes today's announcement by Aer Lingus of its extensive new schedule for summer 2022.

"Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said, 'Today's announcement by Aer Lingus of its extensive new schedule for summer 2022 is excellent news and a significant milestone on the road to recovery for our sector. As we restart tourism to Ireland from overseas after what has been a devastating time, this announcement of the restoration of many Aer Lingus routes is very much a vote of confidence in the future of our industry. As an island, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated, so these flights will be absolutely critical to delivery recovery in inbound tourism.

"'We already work very closely with Aer Lingus and we look forward to co-operating with them to maximise the promotion of their services and drive demand for these flights in 2022. Every destination across the globe has experienced the impact of COVID-19 and is now seeking its share of the recovery.

"'We particularly welcome the restoration of connectivity from the all-important US market, to both Dublin and Shannon Airports, with more than 2 million seats on sale for summer 2022. We also welcome the extensive connectivity from Mainland Europe and Great Britain.

"'Our message - and that of the entire Irish tourism industry - is very simple: we cannot wait to roll out the green carpet and welcome back visitors from around the world. Together with our industry partners, including Aer Lingus, we will undertake our most extensive marketing campaign ever in 2022.'"

United Airlines Services

In a statement published on its website, Dublin Airport said, "United Airlines plans to resume its daily nonstop seasonal services between Dublin Airport and the United States for 2022. Its service between Dublin and Washington D.C. is set to resume February 12, 2022 and between Dublin and Chicago, March 27, 2022.  These services join United's existing daily nonstop year-round service from Dublin to New York/Newark.

"'We are delighted to resume our nonstop seasonal services from Ireland to the U.S.,' said Martina Coogan, United's Sales Manager Ireland. “The return of our seasonal services provides our customers from Ireland with greater travel choice and convenient one-stop connections via our U.S. hub airports to destinations across the Americas.'

"Dublin (DUB) – Washington D.C. (IAD)

"All times are local and subject to change.

"Dublin (DUB) – Chicago (ORD)

"All times are local and subject to change.

"United's services from Dublin to Chicago and Washington D.C. will be operated with Boeing 757-200 aircraft, featuring a total of 169 seats - 16 flat-bed seats in United Polaris^® business class and 153 in economy, including 45 Economy Plus^® seats with added legroom and increased personal space.
"United Polaris business class is a premium travel experience that prioritises relaxation and comfort, featuring quality inflight dining, premium amenity kits and full flat-bed seats.

"United at Dublin Airport

"United has served Ireland since 1998 and today offers year-round daily nonstop flights from Dublin to New York/Newark. The airline is set to resume seasonal nonstop flights from Dublin to Chicago and Washington D.C. for 2022. All flights are conveniently timed to connect at United’s U.S. hubs with an extensive network of services to destinations throughout the Americas. Customers can book by visiting united.com, calling 01 7604857 or by contacting their travel agent

"United in New York/Newark
"Located just 14 miles from Manhattan, Newark Liberty International Airport offers the fastest surface transfer journeys to many parts of the city, including the AirTrain service to New York Penn Station in midtown Manhattan, with a journey time of less than 30 minutes.

"Committed to Ensuring a Safe Journey

"United is committed to putting health and safety at the forefront of every customer's journey, with the goal of delivering an industry-leading standard of cleanliness through its United CleanPlus^SM program. United has teamed up with Clorox and Cleveland Clinic to redefine cleaning and health safety procedures from check-in to landing and has implemented more than a dozen new policies, protocols and innovations designed with the safety of customers and employees in mind. To manage entry requirements in different destinations, and find places to get tests, customers can visit United's Travel Ready Center."

"United Next
"United is more focused than ever on its commitment to customers and employees. In addition to today's announcement, United has recently:

• "Launched an ambitious plan to transform the United customer experience by adding and upgrading hundreds of aircraft as well as investing in features like larger overhead bins, seatback entertainment in every seat and the industry’s fastest available Wi-Fi.
• "Announced a goal to create 25,000 unionized jobs by 2026 that includes careers as pilots, flight attendants, agents, technicians, and dispatchers.
• "Announced that United will train at least 5,000 pilots by 2030 through the United Aviate Academy, with the plan of at least half being women and people of colour.
• "Required all U.S. employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
• "Became the first airline to offer customers the ability to check their destination’s travel requirements, schedule COVID-19 tests and more on its mobile app and website.
• "Invested in emerging technologies that are designed to decarbonize air travel, like an agreement to work with urban air mobility company Archer, an investment in aircraft startup Heart Aerospace and a purchase agreement with Boom Supersonic.
• "Committed to going 100% green by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets.
• "Eliminated change fees for all economy and premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S.

"About United
"United's shared purpose is 'Connecting People. Uniting the World.' In 2019, United and United Express® carriers operated more than 1.7 million flights carrying more than 162 million customers. United has the most comprehensive route network among North American carriers, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.  For more about how to join the United team, please visit united.com/careers and more information about the company is at united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol 'UAL'."

In a statement published on its airport, Shannon Airport said, "Welcoming confirmation by United Airlines of the return of their daily nonstop Shannon to New York/Newark service from 27^th March 2022, Mary Considine, CEO of Shannon Group who operate Shannon Airport said, 'The restoration of this service is another welcome boost for transatlantic connectivity to our region and the broader west of Ireland.

"'United Airlines is a highly valued airline partner of Shannon and we are delighted to have been able to work with them to restore this vital transatlantic service. Its restoration is a vote of confidence by the airline and another major milestone as we continue to rebuild Shannon Airport’s air services and fulfil our role as an economic driver for tourism, business and social connectivity.'

"Ms Considine said that, following on from earlier announcements, the United Airlines commitment makes this a hugely significant week for Shannon Airport and the wider region as it bounces back from the impact of the pandemic. 'We had the announcement of three new Ryanair services, to Fuerteventura, Birmingham and Budapest, on Tuesday. Earlier today Aer Lingus announced its return on JFK New York and Boston routes next year as well as its Heathrow continuation and now we have United#s commitment on Newark, also servicing the New York market.

"'Shannon's importance to the wider west and, indeed, south of the country in terms of transatlantic services especially, is well understood. We are the only airport on this side of the island of Ireland with transatlantic flights so the return of these services will be widely welcomed. These announcements make this a really positive week for Shannon and the wider region and we build from here.'

"Ms Considine continued, "This United Airlines service provides significant onward connections at Newark, which is a huge attraction at Shannon from both an inbound and outbound perspective. Over the past 22 years, this service has brought over 2.1 million passengers to Shannon, which illustrates the importance of this route from both a business and tourism perspective.

"'Prior to the pandemic, Shannon’s transatlantic services were well supported and it is important now for people in the region to get behind United’s New York/Newark service to ensure its success,' said Ms Considine.

"The Shannon-New York/Newark service will run from 27^th March to the 29^th October 2022 and will be operated by Boeing 757-200 aircraft, departing daily from Shannon at 12.30pm."

Dublin Airport Winter Season Programme

In a separate statement published on its website, Dublin Airport said, "Dublin Airport has launched the latest edition of its flight schedule for the winter season 2021/22. Published in a convenient digital flip book format it shows the airlines, direct routes, services and frequencies available to its passengers from the end of October to the end of March 2022.

"Dublin Airport will serve 123 destinations worldwide with 35 airline partners as it continues to rebuild its global reach following the devastating impact on the aviation sector due to COVID-19.

"The easy-to-read Dublin Airport guide contains a variety of helpful information such as a list of handy travel tips, passenger safety information as well as the details of all the destinations and frequency of flights served by its airline partners...Since the last edition was published in September this year, London continues to be the most popular city destination from Dublin. This winter will see 242 London bound flights alone departing Dublin Airport each week.

"Over 750 flights will depart Dublin Airport every week, destined for 94 European cities.

"With the return of transatlantic travel from November 8, passengers will be able to fly coast to coast direct from Dublin Airport to the USA with 56 flights each week to six destinations, Boston, Chicago, New York, Orlando, San Francisco and Washington DC.

"Edel Redmond, Head of B2B and Partner Marketing at Dublin Airport said, 'We are delighted to see such a significant restart to a number of favourite routes in North America and Continental Europe to allow friends, families and businesses reconnect once again. As well as introducing some new routes, it is wonderful to see increased frequency on some of our most popular destinations too, providing even more, choice and flexibility for both business and leisure customers alike.'

"Other highlights from the updated schedule from Dublin Airport include:

• "Loganair will provide a new winter service to Aberdeen into the Winter Season
• "Ryanair is extending its network from Dublin Airport to in Sibiu, Romania; Kosice, Slovakia; and Agadir, Morocco.
• "Vueling will fly daily from Dublin to Paris-Orly."

New Ryanair Service For Cork

In a statement published on corporate.ryanair.com, Ryanair said, Ryanair, "Europe's No.1 airline, today (29^th Oct) announced its largest ever Winter schedule from Cork, with a new route from Cork to Manchester, operating twice daily from 15^th December. This new route is part of Ryanair’s Winter 2021/22 schedule from Cork, delivering over 60 weekly flights to 13 destinations.

"Having recently announced a $200m investment in Cork Airport and a full recovery of its pre-pandemic passenger capacity with the re-opening of its 2 aircraft base, this new route will further enhance connectivity between Ireland and the UK, as Ryanair continues to re-build Europe’s aviation and tourism industries by restoring connectivity and growing its network of annual passengers to over 225 million by 2026.

"To celebrate, Ryanair has launched a €14.99 seat sale for travel until the end of March ‘22, which must be booked by midnight Sunday, 31^st October 2021 on www.Ryanair.com – the perfect excuse for a well-deserved getaway with family or friends.

"Ryanair's Director of Commercial, Jason McGuinness, said, 'As Europe's No.1 airline, Ryanair remains committed to re-building Europe's aviation and tourism industries by restoring connectivity and growing our network of passengers to over 225 million per annum by 2026. As Ryanair takes delivery of 55 additional Boeing 737-8200 'Gamechanger' aircraft this Winter, we are delighted to add this new route from Cork to Manchester following the reopening of our Cork base from this Winter. This will allow Irish and UK families to reconnect this Christmas, as well as Cork's Manchester United fans return their season tickets, on Ryanair’s lowest fares with two daily flights to choose from.

"'To celebrate, we are launching a seat sale with fares available from just €14.99 for travel until the end of March 2022, which must be booked by midnight Sunday 31^st October. Since these amazing low fares will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com to avoid missing out.'"

© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.