AER Lingus has launched the first of six new routes it plans to operate from Belfast City Airport.
The Irish airline’s regional service, which is operated by Stobart Air, will fly to Edinburgh up to three times daily.
Routes to Birmingham, East Midlands, Exeter, Leeds Bradford and Manchester are set to be phased in over the coming weeks and months.
All six routes were previously operated by Flybe, which collapsed in early March, taking with it 14 routes and 80 per cent of the flights at Belfast City Airport.
Scottish airline Loganair, Eastern Airways and British Airways’ subsidiary City Flyer have already taken over a number of the former Flybe routes.
But the decision by Aer Lingus and Stobart Air to set up a regional hub at the east Belfast airport represents a major boost for the operation. Five 72-seater ATR72-600 aircraft are now based on site.
The airport’s commercial director Katy Best said “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.”
Stobart Air’s managing director Andy Jolly added: “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."
