Hospitality Ireland Presents Round-Up Of Irish Airline And Airport News

Hospitality Ireland presents a round-up of Irish airline and airport news.

JetBlue And Aer Lingus Expand Codeshare Partnership Across North Atlantic

JetBlue and Aer Lingus have expanded their codeshare partnership across the North Atlantic.

In a statement published on its website, Aer Lingus said, "JetBlue today announced it is expanding its codeshare partnership with Aer Lingus - the Irish flag carrier - to offer customers more ways to book and connect their travel between the two airlines’ networks. The new codeshare flights are now available for booking on jetblue.com.

"As part of the new bilateral codeshare, JetBlue will place its “B6” code on four Aer Lingus routes between JetBlue's Northeast focus cities and Ireland:

• "New York's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to:

• • "Dublin Airport (DUB)
  • "Shannon Airport (SNN)

• "Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to:

• • "Dublin Airport (DUB)
  • "Shannon Airport (SNN)

"JetBlue intends to add its code to selected Aer Lingus routes beyond Ireland in the near future.

"'Connecting our customers with more of the destinations they want to fly to ensures JetBlue grows its relevance in the Northeast, and by expanding our partnership with Aer Lingus we’re introducing new options for travelers flying between the U.S. and Ireland,' said Joanna Geraghty, President and Chief Operating Officer JetBlue. 'More than 15 years after Aer Lingus became our very first international airline partner, our relationship continues to strengthen in ways that bring more benefits customers on both sides of the Atlantic.'

"Lynne Embleton, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Aer Lingus, said, 'Our relationship with JetBlue is long-standing and valued. All at Aer Lingus are looking forward to extending a warm Irish welcome to more JetBlue customers.  These customers can now travel seamlessly to Dublin and Shannon airports as we continue to connect friends and families, businesses and colleagues from the US and Europe.'"

"JetBlue and Aer Lingus customers purchasing a codeshare itinerary benefit from having a single ticket that includes flights operated by both carriers, as well as conveniences on their day of travel like one-stop check-in and baggage transfer. Additionally, customers traveling to the U.S. from Ireland benefit from the convenience of pre-clearing customs prior to departing Dublin and Shannon, allowing them to be on their way faster after landing in New York or Boston.

"JetBlue and Aer Lingus have partnered since 2008 and in 2013 announced a unilateral codeshare agreement. Today the Aer Lingus 'EI' code is available on more than 42 JetBlue routes and offer customers convenient connections through JetBlue’s New York and Boston focus cities.

"Aer Lingus will operate 16 transatlantic routes from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester, UK to North America and the Caribbean in 2022. Aer Lingus is a 4-Star airline, awarded by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization. Aer Lingus is a member of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world's largest airline groups."

Ryanair Opens Nuremberg Base

Ryanair has opened a Nuremberg base.

In a statement published on corporate.ryanair.com, Ryanair said, "Ryanair, Europe's no. 1 airline has today (08 Dec) announced the opening of its Nuremberg base - its eighth German base - representing a $200m investment and 60 direct local jobs. Delivering two based aircraft and 13 new routes for S'22, Ryanair will connect the regional airport with 13 countries across Europe, significantly driving growth and enhancing the region's repute as a leading tourist destination.

"Ryanair's new S'22 Nuremberg base will deliver:

• "Two based aircraft - representing a $200m investment
• "Over 1,000 total jobs
• "13 new routes [27 total] including top destinations Chania, Faro, Madeira, Ibiza and many more
• "85 weekly flights
• "New tourists to the region, boosting the local economy

"Ryanair is leading Europe's post-COVID recovery as it accelerates growth in jobs and traffic to over 225m guests p.a. over the next 5 years. Having added over 560 new routes and opened 16 new bases this year, Ryanair is now delivering even more growth in S’22 with 65 new B737-8200 'Gamechanger' aircraft, which offer 4% more seats, reducing CO2 emissions by 16% and noise emissions by 40%, making its S’22 schedule the most exciting and environmentally friendly to date.

"Ryanair's investment in Nuremberg gives a much needed boost to local airports who have been abandoned by the German Govt, who favour major airports such as Berlin and Frankfurt and ignore connectivity and tourism at regional airports. These 13 new routes will connect Nuremberg to key tourist markets including Cagliari, Valencia, Venice and Dublin, and significantly enhance the region’s connectivity and profile as a viable tourist destination for S’22.

"While Ryanair continues to invest in Germany, the German Govt continues to protect legacy carriers that don't operate from regional airports, such as Lufthansa, who have soaked up €9bn in State Aid yet continues to cut its fleet, flights and jobs, and who have done nothing to drive growth or tourism at regional airports in its home country.

"In opening this new base, Ryanair is now Nuremberg airport's biggest airline and the launch of these new routes will put Nuremberg on the map as a leading tourist destination, bringing visitors from across Europe to this scenic walled town, famed for its historical landmarks, open air markets and unique culinary specialities. To celebrate, Ryanair will launch a seat sale with fares from just €29.99 for travel next summer. These amazingly low fares are available until Friday 10^th December on Ryanair.com - so get booking fast before they're snapped up.

"Ryanair's CEO, Eddie Wilson, said, "We are delighted to be investing in Nuremberg airport at a time when the German Govt is abandoning its regional airports in favour of legacy airlines and major airports. The opening of our new base at Nuremberg will generate 13 new routes - 27 in total - and deliver increased connectivity - driving tourism and growth for the region as it recovers post-pandemic. This $200m investment will not only boost Germany's economy by driving vital tourism but will also create more than 60 direct jobs and almost 1,000 jobs in the region.

"'At a time when Lufthansa is reducing their fleet, cutting jobs and closing routes while wasting €9bn of taxpayers' money in State Aid funding, Ryanair is DOUBLING its S'22 schedule at Nuremberg and rebuilding tourism and creating well-paid local jobs in Germany with zero state aid.

"'Efficient operations and competitive airport charges provide the foundation from which Ryanair can deliver long-term traffic growth and increased connectivity. We worked closely with our partners in Nuremberg airport to secure this growth and improve the services for those that live, work, or wish to visit the region.

"'To celebrate, we are launching a seat sale with fares available from €29.99 for travel next summer, which must be booked by Friday 10^th December. Since these amazing low fares will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com now to avoid missing out.'

"NEW SUMMER '22 ROUTES TO NUREMBERG

Ryanair Scores "B" For Climate Protection

Ryanair has scored a "B" for climate protection.

In a separate statement published on corporate.ryanair.com, Ryanair said, "Ryanair, Europe's No.1 airline, has today (08 Dec) announced that it has been awarded a 'B' rating on climate protection from the CDP - an international non-profit that helps organisations to disclose their environmental impact. This rating shows an improvement on Ryanair's rating for the previous year ('B-') and recognises the significant work that Ryanair has undertaken to manage its environmental impact to date.

"This result confirms Ryanair's high level of value chain engagement, transparency in the disclosure of CO₂ emissions, and its industry leading CO₂ emissions reduction initiatives, such as the airlines $22bn investment in new 'Gamechanger' aircraft that reduce CO₂ emissions by 16% while carrying 4% more passengers, all of which Ryanair was awarded the top standard 'A' rating for.

"Ryanair has set a goal of achieving an overall CDP rating of 'A' in the next two years.

"Ryanair's Director of Sustainability, Thomas Fowler, said, 'We are delighted to be awarded a 'B' rating in this year's CDP. This acknowledges Ryanair's commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Over the years we have reduced our environmental footprint, leading us to be one of the most environmentally efficient airlines. We did this through investing in innovative technology and by driving a company-wide decarbonisation programme.'"

850k Passengers To Pass Through Dublin Airport This Christmas

850,000 passengers are expected to pass through Dublin Airport this Christmas.

In a statement published on its website, Dublin Airport said, "An estimated 850,000 people are due to travel through Dublin Airport this Christmas compared to almost 1.5 million people who passed through the airport during the comparable period in 2019. This is down by -42% compared to the same period pre-COVID-19. However Dublin Airport will see an increase of 615,000 passengers when compared to last year, when 235,000 passengers travelled through the country's principal international gateway.

"From Friday, December 17 to Tuesday, January 4, 2021 there is expected to be an average of 45,000 departing and arriving passengers each day, which compares to an average of 12,000 passengers per day over the Christmas season last year, and 77,000 per day during the same period in 2019.

"The busiest day during the Christmas season is expected to be December 19, followed closely by December 23.

"With new travel restrictions recently introduced by the Irish government for arrivals into Ireland, this has made passenger forecasting more difficult than a typical pre-COVID-19 Christmas so final passenger numbers may vary if passengers decided not to travel that have already booked.

"Over the Christmas period Dublin Airport would like to remind all passengers to comply fully with COVID-19 guidelines throughout their entire journey.

"Face masks are mandatory at Dublin Airport and must be worn when in the terminal buildings. In addition, social distancing protocols should be observed and there are more than 1,000 hand sanitisers located throughout the Dublin Airport campus.

"In line with Irish Government and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) guidelines, access to the terminal buildings is limited to passengers, crew and airport staff.

"Anyone planning to greet passengers should arrange to meet them outside the terminal buildings. There are new meeting points just outside Terminal 1 and at the glass walkway between the Terminal 2 car park and arrivals. It is recommended that anyone who is collecting passengers at Dublin Airport plan and arrange pick-ups in advance.

"Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions Dublin Airport will be unable to host its normal Christmas entertainment music programme for the second year in a row.

"Dublin Airport will close on Christmas Day - the only day on which it closes every year - however a number of staff members will remain on duty that day, including the airport's emergency fire service personnel and Airport Police.

"Flight operations will cease on Christmas Eve. The last flight to depart is an Air Moldova flight to Chișinău at 11.10pm and the final arrival is an Aer Lingus flight from Tenerife, which is due to arrive at 11.35pm.

"The airport will reopen on St. Stephen's Day when a TAP Air Portugal flight from Lisbon arrives at 03.05am.

"Dublin Airport has the following key tips for passengers travelling over the Christmas holidays:

"PASSENGERS SHOULD CHECK WHICH TERMINAL THEIR FLIGHT IS DEPARTING FROM

"Aer Lingus, Emirates, and ALL American carriers operate from Terminal 2, while all other airlines operate from Terminal 1.

"COVID-19 GUIDELINES

"Passengers are reminded to follow COVID-19 guidelines throughout their entire journey through Dublin Airport. Passengers should wear a face mask throughout their airport journey (masks are not required for children under 13) and observe social distancing and hygiene etiquette throughout.

"INFORMATION FOR ARRIVING PASSENGERS

"To comply with Irish law, arriving passengers must complete an Electronic Passenger Locator Form. This form can be found [at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ab900-covid-19-passenger-locator-form/] and should be completed online in advance of arriving in Ireland. Passengers should also familiarise themselves with current Irish Government guidelines in relation to arriving in Ireland. All arrivals aged 12 and over who are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 must provide either of the following: A negative or not detected antigen test (taken within 48 hours before arrival) or a negative or not detected RT-PCR test (taken within 72 hours before arrival).

"EU LIQUIDS & GELS REGULATIONS - 100ML RULE

"EU aviation liquid regulations are still in place, so passengers are reminded to pack any gifts in bottles or containers measuring more than 100ml into their checked-in luggage. Details can be found on www.dublinairport.com

"REMOVE ALL SHARP OBJECTS FROM HAND LUGGAGE

"Passengers are also reminded not to carry sharp objects in their hand-luggage, such as, scissors, nail files, blades, corkscrews, cutlery or other sharp objects of any description. These objects should be packed into checked in luggage. Christmas crackers may be brought through the passenger security screening area provided the novelty gifts inside are not sharp/prohibited items. Snow globes are not permitted in hand luggage due to their liquid content.

"Passengers should prepare for security screening by removing their outer jacket, belts, keys, coins and laptops from cases so that security searches are kept to a minimum.

"DON'T WRAP THAT PRESENT

"If you are planning to bring Christmas gifts by air this festive season Dublin Airport is asking passengers not to gift wrap presents and to consider using an open gift bag instead.

"Many passengers take a lot of care and time to wrap Christmas gifts for family and friends overseas. We would ask them not to wrap these gifts otherwise they may be disappointed if they are requested to open them at the passenger security screening area.

"CHECK-IN ADVICE

"Passengers should plan to arrive in the terminal building at least 90 minutes before their flight departure time irrespective of whether they are checking in online or at the airport. Passengers flying long-haul are advised to consult their airline's website for check-in times."

© 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.