IAG Group won't be using Aer Lingus for its planned low-cost long-haul airline as it is not well known enough outside of Ireland, according to the groups CEO Willie Walsh.
The group, which also owns British Airways and Spain's Iberia and Vueling airlines, is looking to offer long-haul flights from airports other than Barcelona in an attempt to compete on transatlantic routes, reports the Irish Independent. "This is the start of something that will be a significant part of IAG ... We think Barcelona is a great place to start," said Walsh.
Elsewhere, plans by Norwegian Air International (NAI) for new US-Irish routes are to go ahead after US President Donald Trump voiced no objection, with press secretary Sean Spicer describing the agreement as being "a major economic interest in the United States". It will see direct services offered from Cork and Shannon to Boston and New York, with potentially more Irish and American cities being added in the future reports the Irish Independent.
NAI official Stuart Buss commented: "We’re pleased with the US press secretary’s correct understanding of Norwegian and Norwegian Air International. No other foreign airline invests more in the American economy or creates more American jobs than Norwegian. We currently have 500 US-based cabin crew and are the only foreign airline to be recruiting American pilots, all of which are hired under local laws and regulations with competitive packages.
"We also operate an all-Boeing fleet of more than 120 Boeing aircraft, with another 120 on order generating further economic benefits and jobs in the US. Norwegian is doing exactly what the US administration wants - we are creating hundreds of American jobs in the air and on the ground."
