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Aer Lingus Regional starts first of six new Belfast services

Aer Lingus Regional has launched a route from George Best Belfast City Airport to Edinburgh.

Operated by Stobart Air, the new service will connect passengers from Northern Ireland to the Scottish capital up to three times daily.

Edinburgh is the first of six new routes that Aer Lingus Regional will launch from Belfast City, with Birmingham, East Midlands, Exeter, Leeds Bradford and Manchester to follow in a phased approach.

Katy Best, commercial director at Belfast City Airport, said: “Edinburgh has always been a very popular route from Belfast City, and we are delighted Aer Lingus Regional has re-established this service since it was left vacant by Flybe.

“Like many industries, the aviation market has had a challenging 2020 in light of Covid-19.

“However, ensuring essential connectivity remains in place was a key priority for us and that is what we have achieved with Aer Lingus Regional.

“Having already enjoyed eight successful years with Aer Lingus on our London Heathrow service, we are looking forward to working with the airline again, in partnership with Stobart Air, to further grow and strengthen our route network.”

Andy Jolly, Stobart Air managing director, said: “Stobart Air has worked hard over the past number of months to protect our airline during challenging times and to position us for the future. The launch of this service from Belfast is part of that.

“This new Aer Lingus Regional route will facilitate key links and connectivity between Belfast and Edinburgh and will ensure we provide choice, value and convenience for our customers.”

The inaugural service was operated on an ATR72-600 aircraft, of which five are now based at Belfast City Airport and will be used to service these six new routes.

Covid-19 measures on the aircraft include enhanced cleaning, mandatory face coverings and boarding and disembarking in small groups.

MoreAer Lingus to offer six routes from Belfast City

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