A brand revamp for Aer Lingus is to be unveiled in the new year as the Irish flag carrier cements its role on transatlantic routes.
The refreshed brand identity in January will reflect the airline’s ambition to be the leading “value carrier” across the North Atlantic.
CEO Stephen Kavanagh made the disclosure following the announcement of new routes from Dublin to Minneapolis-St Paul and Montreal, bringing the total number of North American destinations served up to 15.
The International Airlines Group-owned carrier is continuing to drive expansion of its Dublin airport hub into a major European transatlantic gateway.
The airline will take delivery of the first new Airbus A321neo long-range aircraft next year, which has new engine and aero-dynamic technology and delivers increased range, increased fuel efficiency and reduced noise.
Aer Lingus will also begin offering free refreshments to economy class passengers on transatlantic flights as well as up to 20MB of free wi-fi for those travelling on economy ‘smart fares’.
Kavanagh said: “Since joining International Airlines Group in 2015, Aer Lingus has launched eight new direct transatlantic services to Los Angeles, Newark, Hartford, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle and now Montréal and Minneapolis-St. Paul, marking the largest ever transatlantic expansion in our history.
“In the past three years alone, Aer Lingus has increased the number of destinations served from nine to 15 and has also added capacity on a number of existing routes.
“The two new destinations will add a quarter of a million additional seats annually to Aer Lingus’ transatlantic network which already carries 2.8 million guests annually between Ireland and North America.
“Our ambition is to be the leading value carrier across the North Atlantic and we will continue to add new routes and capacity on an ongoing basis over the coming years.”
He added: “Extensive feedback from our guests has informed these decisions as we adapt our offer to our guests’ needs.
“Uniquely in Europe we are also able to offer guests travelling from the UK access to US customs and norder pre-clearance at Dublin and Shannon airport.”
Aer Lingus flies to transatlantic destinations via Dublin from 18 UK airports, including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.