AERLingus is to restructure its London flights in the New Year to gain maximum benefit from its impending alliance with British Airways.
The Irish carrier is to axe its five weekly flights from Stansted to Dublin in January. Their loss will be offset by the launch of thrice-daily Gatwick flights to the Irish capital.
Aer Lingus also launched four daily flights from London City to Dublin last week in another move to strengthen its position in London.
The switch to Gatwick from Stansted will allow Aer Lingus interline opportunities at British Airways’ second most important UK hub. BA does not serve Stansted – apart from through its low-cost carrier Go.
Flights to regional Irish points are also being boosted with the launch of services to Cork and Shannon from Gatwick in April 2001. They will complement existing Heathrow services to the two Irish airports.
Aer Lingus said the new London set-up will provide a capacity increase of 11% next year in a market the airline forecasts is to increase by 7% year on year.
The carrier has seen 11% growth in the London-Ireland market in the last 12 months with passenger figures hitting 5.5m.
Rivals British Midland and Ryanair have also stepped up London-Dublin capacity by using larger aircraft.
Aer Lingus group chief executive Garry Cullen said: “The new route plan follows a fundamental strategic review of all our London operations.
“At the core of the new strategy is a business focus set against a background of a growing marketplace and future alliance-driven opportunities.”
The carrier said connecting traffic in London accounted for 30% of its passengers and is expanding. The new flights will allow for further improved through co-operation with BA on short and long-haul flights.
Aer Lingus is also planning joint services with American Airlines, but these will mainly be from Ireland to the US.
The Irish carrier will join the BA and American-founded Oneworld early next year. Membership could involve both carriers taking a stake in Aer Lingus.