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{{Short description|Flag carrier of Ireland}} {{Use Hiberno-English|date=May 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}} {{Infobox airline | airline = Aer Lingus | image = Berlin Brandenburg Airport Aer Lingus Airbus A320-251N EI-NSA (DSC05752).jpg | logo = Aer Lingus logo 2019.svg | logo_size = 300 | IATA = EI | ICAO = EIN | callsign = SHAMROCK | headquarters = [[Cloghran, Coolock|Cloghran]], [[County Dublin]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] | parent = {{nowrap|[[International Airlines Group]]}} | founded = {{start date and age|1936|04|15|df=y}} | commenced = {{start date and age|1936|05|28|df=y}} | key_people = {{nowrap|Lyann Embelton ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])}} | hubs = {{nowrap|[[Dublin Airport]]}} | focus_cities = {{nowrap|[[Cork Airport]]}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airlineinformation.com/EI|title=Learn more about Aer Lingus and their operations|website=Airline Information}}</ref> | frequent_flyer = {{ubl| | {{nowrap|AerClub}} | {{nowrap|[[International Airlines Group#Loyalty programme|Avios]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aerlingus.com/aerclub/|title=AerClub|website=Aer Lingus|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220185929/https://www.aerlingus.com/aerclub/|url-status=dead}}</ref>}} }} | subsidiaries = {{ubl| | {{nowrap|[[Aer Lingus Regional]]}} | {{nowrap|[[Aer Lingus UK]]}} }} | fleet_size = [[#Fleet|58]] (Including Aer Lingus UK) <!-- VERIFY NUMBER CORRECT USING FLEET TABLE AT BOTTOM OF PAGE.--> | destinations = [[List of Aer Lingus destinations|97]]<!-- VERIFY NUMBER CORRECT USING REFERENCE.--><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus on ch-aviation.com |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/airlines/EI |access-date=29 July 2024}}</ref> | revenue = {{decrease}} [[Euro|€]]467 million (2020)<ref name=iag2020finances>{{cite web|url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/documents/IMS/interim-management-report-for-full-year-to-december-31-2020.pdf|title=Full year results announcement|website=iairgroup.com|access-date=30 April 2021|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903201654/https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/documents/IMS/interim-management-report-for-full-year-to-december-31-2020.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> | operating_income = {{increase}} [[Euro|€]]305 million (2018) | net_income = {{increase}} [[Euro|€]]205.5 million (2016) | num_employees = 4,500 approx (2020) | website = {{URL|www.aerlingus.com}} }} '''Aer Lingus''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|ɛər|_|ˈ|l|ɪ|ŋ|ɡ|ə|s}} {{respell|air|_|LING|gəs}}; an anglicisation of the [[Irish language|Irish]] {{lang|ga|aerloingeas}} {{IPA|ga|ˌeːɾˠˈl̪ˠɪɲɟəsˠ|}}, meaning "air fleet"<!-- compare Welsh 'llynges awyr' -->){{efn|According to the spelling and grammar rules of Modern Irish, the compound noun {{lang|ga|aerloingeas}} and the two-word term {{lang|ga|loingeas aeir}} (with {{lang|ga|aer}} in the genitive case qualifying {{lang|ga|loingeas}}) are the only two possible renderings into Irish of 'Aer Lingus'. The two-word term {{lang|ga|aer loingeas}} (with both nouns in the nominative case) is not possible according to these rules.}} is an Irish airline company which is the [[flag carrier]] of [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. Founded by the Irish Government, it was privatised between 2006 and 2015, and it is now a wholly owned subsidiary of [[International Airlines Group]] (IAG). The airline's head office is on the grounds of [[DAA (company)|Seee]] in [[Cloghran, Coolock|Cloghran]], [[County Dublin]].<ref name=HQaddress/> Formed in 1936, Aer Lingus is a former member of the [[Oneworld]] airline alliance, which it left on 31 March 2007. After the takeover by IAG, it was expected that Aer Lingus would re-enter Oneworld, however, at a press briefing on 15 November 2017 the airline's then CEO Stephen Kavanagh stated that the airline has "no plans to join Oneworld".<ref>{{cite news |last=Mulligan |first=John |date=15 November 2017 |title=Aer Lingus has 'no plans' to rejoin airline alliance |url=https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/aer-lingus-has-no-plans-to-rejoin-airline-alliance-36320589.html |newspaper=[[Irish Independent]] |access-date=12 March 2018 |archive-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313093528/https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/aer-lingus-has-no-plans-to-rejoin-airline-alliance-36320589.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The airline has [[codeshare]]s with Oneworld, [[Star Alliance]] and [[SkyTeam]] members, as well as interline agreements with [[Etihad Airways]], [[JetBlue Airways]] and [[United Airlines]]. Aer Lingus has a [[Porter's generic strategies|hybrid business model]] of low-cost and traditional carriers,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-03-22 |title=New type of flying at Aer Lingus |work=[[CNN]] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/videos/business/2012/03/22/qmb-intv-aer-lingus-ceo.cnn |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708053143/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0St4Y3PhyQ |archive-date=8 July 2014}}</ref> operating a mixed fare service<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aerlingus.com/travelinformation/planandbook/aerlingusproducts/ |title=Aer Lingus |access-date=24 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130902/http://www.aerlingus.com/travelinformation/planandbook/aerlingusproducts/ |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref> on its European routes and full service, two-class flights on transatlantic routes. [[Ryanair]] owned over 29% of Aer Lingus stock and the Irish state owned over 25% before being bought out by IAG in 2015. The state had previously held an 85% shareholding until the Government's decision to float the company on the [[Irish Stock Exchange|Dublin]] and [[London Stock Exchange|London]] stock exchanges on 2 October 2006. The principal group companies include Aer Lingus Limited, Aer Lingus Beachey Limited, Aer Lingus (Ireland) Limited and Dirnan Insurance Company Limited, all of which are wholly owned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/lookup?s=aer%20lingus |title=Aer Lingus Group stock lookup on all exchanges |publisher=[[Yahoo! Finance]] UK & Ireland |access-date=1 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308134950/http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/lookup?s=aer%20lingus |archive-date=8 March 2014 }}</ref> On 26 May 2015, after months of negotiations on a possible IAG takeover, the Irish government agreed to sell its 25% stake in the company. Ryanair retained a 30% stake in Aer Lingus which it agreed to sell to IAG on 10 July 2015 for €2.55 per share.<ref name="irishtimes.com">{{cite news| url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/cabinet-agrees-to-sell-state-s-25-stake-in-aer-lingus-1.2226921| title=Cabinet agrees to sell State's 25% stake in Aer Lingus| date=26 May 2015| first1=Fiach| last1=Kelly| first2=Cliff| last2=Taylor| newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]| access-date=29 June 2015| archive-date=26 May 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526214415/https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/cabinet-agrees-to-sell-state-s-25-stake-in-aer-lingus-1.2226921| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Martin-Tel">{{cite news| title=Ryanair to allow IAG takeover of Aer Lingus| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/11730942/Ryanair-to-allow-IAG-takeover-of-Aer-Lingus.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/11730942/Ryanair-to-allow-IAG-takeover-of-Aer-Lingus.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live| work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]| last=Martin| first=Ben| date=10 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In August 2015, Aer Lingus' shareholders officially accepted IAG's takeover offer.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 14, 2015 |title=Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Aer Lingus by IAG, subject to conditions |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/hu/IP_15_5371 |access-date=September 25, 2023 |website=Commission Europa}}</ref> IAG subsequently assumed control of Aer Lingus on 2 September 2015.<ref name="IAGShare">{{cite news |last=Newenham |first=Pamela |date=2015-09-02 |title=IAG formally takes control of Aer Lingus |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/iag-formally-takes-control-of-aer-lingus-1.2337278 |access-date=2023-12-09}}</ref> == History == {{more citations needed section|date=May 2024}} === Early years === Aer Lingus was founded on 15 April 1936, with a capital of £100,000. Its first chairman was Seán Ó hUadhaigh.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/radio1/spreadingourwings/programme1.html |title=Spreading Our Wings – Programme 1 A Wing and a Prayer |year=2010 |work=RTÉ Radio 1 |publisher=RTÉ Commercial Enterprises Limited |access-date=5 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017165539/http://www.rte.ie/radio1/spreadingourwings/programme1.html |archive-date=17 October 2010 }}</ref> Pending legislation for Government investment through a parent company, Aer Lingus was associated with '''Blackpool and West Coast Air Services''' which advanced the money for the first aircraft, and operated with Aer Lingus under the common title "Irish Sea Airways".<ref>{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus "About Us" Page |url=https://www.aerlingus.com/about-us/ |access-date=September 25, 2023 |website=Aer Lingus |publisher=Aerlingus.com}}</ref><ref name="iawa">{{cite book| last=Skinner| first=Liam M.| title=Ireland and World Aviation – The Complete Story| year=1989| publisher=Universities Press Ltd.}}</ref> Aer Lingus [[Teoranta]] was registered as an airline on 22 May 1936.<ref name="EI">{{cite book| editor-last=Lalor| editor-first=Brian| year=2003| title=The Encyclopaedia of Ireland| publisher=Gill & Macmillan| location=Dublin| isbn=0-7171-3000-2| page=9}}</ref> The name ''Aer Lingus'' was proposed by Richard F O'Connor, who was [[County Cork]] Surveyor, as well as an aviation enthusiast. [[File:Aer Lingus De Havilland DH-84 Dragon 2 EI-ABI OTT 2013 03.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|A DH.84 Dragon, repainted in the livery of Aer Lingus' original aircraft "Iolar".]] On 27 May 1936, five days after being registered as an airline, its first service began between [[Casement Aerodrome|Baldonnel Airfield]] in Clondalkin, Dublin and [[Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport]], the United Kingdom, using a six-seater [[de Havilland Dragon|de Havilland DH.84 Dragon]] biplane (registration EI-ABI), named ''Iolar'' (Eagle). Later that year, the airline acquired its second aircraft, a four-engined biplane [[de Havilland Express|de Havilland DH.86 Express]] named "Éire", with a capacity of 14 passengers.<ref name="iawa" /> This aircraft provided the first air link between Dublin and London by extending the Bristol service to [[Croydon]]. At the same time, the DH.84 Dragon was used to inaugurate an Aer Lingus service on the Dublin-Liverpool route. The airline was established as the national carrier under the [[Air Navigation and Transport Act]] (1936).<ref name="EI" /> In 1937, the Irish government created Aer Rianta (now called [[Dublin Airport Authority]]), a company to assume financial responsibility for the new airline and the entire country's civil aviation infrastructure. In April 1937, Aer Lingus became wholly owned by the Irish government via Aer Rianta. The airline's first General Manager was Dr J.F. (Jeremiah known as 'Jerry') Dempsey, a chartered accountant, who joined the company on secondment from Kennedy Crowley & Co (predecessor to [[KPMG]]{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}) as Company Secretary in 1936 (aged 30) and was appointed to the role of General Manager in 1937. He retired 30 years later in 1967 at the age of 60. In 1938, a [[de Havilland Dragon Rapide|de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide]] replaced ''Iolar'', and the company purchased a second DH.86B. Two [[Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra|Lockheed 14s]] arrived in 1939, Aer Lingus' first all-metal aircraft. In January 1940, a new airport opened in the Dublin suburb of Collinstown and Aer Lingus moved its operations there. It purchased a new [[Douglas DC-3|DC-3]] and inaugurated new services to [[Liverpool]] and an internal service to [[Shannon Airport|Shannon]]. The airline's services were curtailed during World War II with the sole route being to Liverpool or [[City Airport Manchester|Barton Aerodrome]] Manchester depending on the fluctuating security situation. === Post-war expansion === [[File:Aer Lingus DC-3 Manchester 1949.jpg|thumb|An Aer Lingus [[Douglas DC-3]] at [[Manchester Airport]] in 1948 wearing the first postwar livery.]]On 9 November 1945, regular services were resumed with an inaugural flight to London. From this point Aer Lingus aircraft, initially mostly [[Douglas DC-3]]s, were painted in a silver and green livery. The airline introduced its first flight attendants. In 1946, a new Anglo-Irish agreement gave Aer Lingus exclusive UK traffic rights from Ireland in exchange for a 40% holding by [[British Overseas Airways Corporation]] (BOAC) and [[British European Airways]] (BEA). Because of Aer Lingus' growth the airline bought seven new [[Vickers VC.1 Viking|Vickers Viking]] aircraft in 1947, however, these proved to be uneconomical and were soon sold. [[File:Bristol 170.31 EI-AFS Aer Lingus Ringway 08.53 edited-2.jpg|thumb|A [[Bristol 170 Freighter]] at Manchester Airport in 1953.]] In 1947, '''Aerlínte Éireann''' came into existence to operate [[transatlantic flight]]s to [[New York City]] from [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. The airline ordered five new [[Lockheed L-749 Constellation]]s, but a change of government and a financial crisis prevented the service from starting. [[John A Costello]], the incoming [[Fine Gael]] [[Taoiseach]] (Prime Minister), was not a keen supporter of air travel and thought that flying the Atlantic was too grandiose a scheme for a small airline from a small country like Ireland.<ref name=Garvin>{{cite book| title=Preventing the Future, Why Ireland Remained so Poor for so long| first=Tom| last=Garvin| date=13 September 2005| publisher=Gill & MacMillan, Ltd.| isbn=978-0-7171-3970-5}}</ref> [[File:Aer Lingus Viscount 808 Manchester 1963.jpg|thumb|A [[Vickers Viscount]] 808 in "green top" livery at Manchester Airport in 1963.]] During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Aer Lingus introduced routes to [[Brussels Airport|Brussels]], [[Amsterdam Airport|Amsterdam]] via [[Manchester Airport|Manchester]] and to Rome. Because of the expanding route structure, the airline became one of the early purchasers of [[Vickers Viscount]] 700s in 1951, which were placed in service in April 1954. In 1952, the airline expanded its all-freight services and acquired a small fleet of [[Bristol 170 Freighter]]s, which remained in service until 1957. Prof. [[Patrick Lynch (economist)|Patrick Lynch]] was appointed the chairman of Aer Lingus and [[Aer Rianta]] in 1954<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/top-irish-economist-patrick-lynch-dies-26251868.html|title=Top Irish economist Patrick Lynch dies|website=independent|date=18 November 2001 |language=en|access-date=2020-02-19|archive-date=22 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322110052/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/top-irish-economist-patrick-lynch-dies-26251868.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/a-force-behind-country-s-economic-growth-in-the-60s-1.337754|title=A force behind country's economic growth in the 60s|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en|access-date=2020-02-19|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033017/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/a-force-behind-country-s-economic-growth-in-the-60s-1.337754|url-status=live}}</ref> and served in the position until 1975.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/entertainment/niall-pioneers-definitive-book-on-national-airline-27774134.html|title=Niall pioneers definitive book on national airline|website=independent|date=10 January 2003 |language=en|access-date=2020-02-19|archive-date=2 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302180338/https://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/entertainment/niall-pioneers-definitive-book-on-national-airline-27774134.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1956, Aer Lingus introduced a new, green-top livery with a white lightning flash down the windows and the Irish flag displayed on the fin. === First transatlantic service === On 28 April 1958, Aerlínte Éireann operated its first transatlantic service from [[Shannon Airport|Shannon]] to New York.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aer Lingus 50 Years Flying Transatlantic|url=https://www.rte.ie//archives/2018/0413/954340-aer-lingus-50-years-flying-transatlantic/|access-date=2020-10-01|website=RTÉ Archives|language=en|archive-date=17 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917001441/https://www.rte.ie/archives/2018/0413/954340-aer-lingus-50-years-flying-transatlantic/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=O'Doherty|first=Gemma|date=5 April 2008|title=Atlantic motion|url=https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/atlantic-motion-26435436.html|access-date=2020-10-01|website=Independent|language=en}}</ref> In 1960, Aerlínte Éireann was renamed Aer Lingus.<ref name=":1" />[[File:Aer Lingus Fokker Friendship Manchester 1965.jpg|thumb|A [[Fokker F27]] Friendship at [[Manchester Airport]] in 1965. The F27 was used on short-haul services between 1958 and 1966.]] Aer Lingus bought seven [[Fokker F27 Friendship]]s, which were delivered between November 1958 and May 1959. These were used in short-haul services to the UK, gradually replacing the Dakotas, until Aer Lingus replaced them in 1966 with secondhand Viscount 800s.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Aer Lingus: Key dates in airline's history|url=https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/aer-lingus-key-dates-in-airlines-history-30936605.html|access-date=2020-10-01|website=independent|date=26 January 2015 |language=en|archive-date=18 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218223812/https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/aer-lingus-key-dates-in-airlines-history-30936605.html|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Boeing 720-048 EI-ALA Aer Lingus 1965.jpg|thumb|A [[Boeing 720]] in Aer Lingus-Irish International livery in 1965.]] The airline entered the jet age on 14 December 1960 when it received three [[Boeing 720]] for use on the New York route and the newest Aer Lingus destination [[Boston]].[[File:Carvair and ambassador at bristol airport 1965 arp.jpg|thumb|An [[Aviation Traders Carvair]] that was used as a vehicle freighter is seen loading an [[BMC ADO16|Austin 1100]] at [[Bristol Airport]] in 1964.]] In 1963, Aer Lingus added [[Aviation Traders Carvair]]s to the fleet. These aircraft could transport five cars which were loaded into the fuselage through the nose of the aircraft. The Carvair proved to be uneconomical for the airline partly due to the rise of [[Roll-on/roll-off|auto ferry services]], and the aircraft were used for freight services until disposed of. The Boeing 720s proved to be a success for the airline on the transatlantic routes. To supplement these, Aer Lingus took delivery of its first larger Boeing 707 in 1964, and the type continued to serve the airline until 1986. === Jet aircraft === [[File:Aer Lingus BAC 1-11 at Zurich - July 1975.jpg|thumb|A [[BAC One-Eleven]] in the old livery at [[Zurich Airport]], Switzerland in 1975.]]Conversion of the European fleet to jet equipment began in 1965 when the [[BAC One-Eleven]] started services on continental Europe.<ref name=":2" /> The airline adopted a new livery in the same year, with a large green [[shamrock (Irish symbol)|shamrock]] on the fin.<ref>{{Cite web|last=O'Reilly|first=Jo|title=Aer Lingus - a history of Ireland's national airline|url=https://www.irishpost.com/life-style/aer-lingus-history-irelands-national-airline-89624|access-date=2020-10-01|website=The Irish Post|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108095915/https://www.irishpost.com/life-style/aer-lingus-history-irelands-national-airline-89624|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1966, the remainder of the company's shares held by [[Dublin Airport Authority|Aer Rianta]] were transferred to the [[Minister for Finance (Ireland)|Minister for Finance]]. In 1966, the company added routes to [[Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport|Montreal]] and [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago]].<ref name=":2" /> In 1968, flights from [[Belfast]], in [[Northern Ireland]], to New York City started, however, it was soon suspended due to the beginning of [[the Troubles]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Mcsaibhris|first=Sean|date=2006-08-29|title=Aer Lingus takes stock as it prepares for €1bn float in its 70th year|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/arid-20011951.html|access-date=2020-10-01|website=Irish Examiner|language=en|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818235137/https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/arid-20011951.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Aer Lingus introduced [[Boeing 737]]s to its fleet in 1969 to cope with the high demand for flights between Dublin and London.<ref name=":3" /> Later, Aer Lingus extended the 737 flights to all of its European networks.<ref name=":3" /> In 1967, after 30 years of service, General Manager Dr J.F. Dempsey signed the contract for the airline's first two [[Boeing 747]] aircraft before he retired later that year. === 1970s to 1990s === [[File:Aer Lingus Boeing 747-148 touching down at Dublin Airport.jpg|thumb|Boeing 747 EI-ASJ in its original 1971 livery. This aircraft flew for Aer Lingus until 1997.]] On 6 March 1971, Aer Lingus took delivery of the first of two [[Boeing 747]]s for use on the transatlantic routes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supplementary Estimates, 1971-72. - Vote 41: Transport and Power. |url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1971-11-25/8/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623045240/http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/takes/dail1971112500009?opendocument |archive-date=23 June 2017 |access-date=2023-12-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal| url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%200442.html| title=Aer Lingus On Its Own| journal=[[Flight International]]| date=25 March 1971| quote=A SECOND 747 will be delivered to Aer Lingus-Irish within the next two weeks to join the first which arrived in Dublin on March 6.| access-date=27 February 2013| archive-date=8 July 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708161502/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%200442.html| url-status=live}}</ref> The company later purchased a third for its fleet but quickly offered it for lease because it was not initially profitable for the company to fly 747s across the Atlantic. In 1974, Aer Lingus unveiled a new livery which eliminated the word ''International'' and/or ''Irish'' from the fuselage titles. The livery included a dark green [[cheatline]], light green upper surfaces and tail, split by a thinner blue line, plus a large white shamrock on the tail fin. In 1977, Aer Lingus recruited its first female pilot, [[Gráinne Cronin]] – the airline was the second in Europe (after [[Scandinavian Airlines|SAS]]) to introduce female pilots.<ref name="Murray">{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Ken |date=26 May 2010 |title=Permission to land first woman Aer Lingus pilot retires |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/permission-to-land-first-woman-aer-lingus-pilot-retires-1.669678 |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021031129/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0526/1224271143395.html |archive-date=21 October 2012}}</ref> In September 1979, Aer Lingus became the first European airline other than [[Alitalia]] to be used by [[Pope John Paul II]], when he flew aboard a specially modified Boeing 747 (EI-ASI or St. Patrick) from Rome to Dublin and later from Shannon to [[Logan International Airport|Boston]]. In the early 1980s, the 707s were phased out. In 1984, the airline formed a fully owned subsidiary, '''Aer Lingus Commuter''', so that Aer Lingus could fly to larger cities in Ireland and Britain whose flying time from Dublin did not require jet aircraft. These services employed five of the Belfast-built [[Short 360]] after conducting a trial with the [[Short 330]]. Around this time Aer Lingus purchased a majority shareholding in the [[cargo airline]] [[Aer Turas]], owner of some [[Douglas DC-8|DC-8]] freighter jets. [[File:Aer Lingus (EI-CFD), Dublin, February 1993.jpg|thumb|An Aer Lingus Commuter [[Saab 340]] at [[Dublin Airport]] in 1993.]]Between 1987 and 1989, new [[Boeing 737]]s arrived to replace the older ones, and six [[Fokker 50]]s were added to the ''Commuter'' fleet. During 1990, after the passage of the deregulation act for the airline industry in Ireland, Aer Lingus reconsidered its operational policies. It retired the BAC One-Elevens and replaced them with five new 737s. In 1991, four [[Saab 340]]Bs arrived at the commuter division to replace the [[Short 360]] aircraft. By 1992, Aer Lingus's entire original 737-200 fleet had been replaced and it was now the first carrier in the world operating all three versions of the second-generation 737. These were the −300, −400 and −500 series, although the −300 did not stay long in Aer Lingus service. In 1994, Aer Lingus started direct services between Dublin and the United States using the [[Airbus A330]] and in May of that year, Aer Lingus operated the first A330-300 [[ETOPS]] service over the North Atlantic. This led to the phasing out of the [[Boeing 747]] and the briefly operated [[Boeing 767]]-300ER. On 2 October 1995, the Boeing 747 service ceased operations after twenty-five years of service. By that time, over eight million people had travelled across the Atlantic in Aer Lingus Boeing 747s. The late 1990s saw Aer Lingus return to [[Belfast]] with service to New York via Shannon. It also added [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] as a destination, but discontinued these flights in 2001. The first [[Airbus]] short-haul aircraft arrived in 1998 in the form of the [[Airbus A321|A321]], initially to mainly operate the Dublin-Heathrow route. Six were delivered in 1998 and 1999 and three of these continue in service today. The first [[Airbus A320 family|A320]] was delivered in 2000, with three more added to the fleet by 2001. === 2000s to 2010s === On 1 February 2001, Aer Lingus Commuter merged back into the mainline operation. The business was severely affected by the [[September 11 attacks|9/11 attacks]] in the United States. In response, the airline cut staff numbers and destinations and reduced its fleet. As a result, it weathered the storm and returned to profit, largely through lowering the airline's cost base, updating the fleet with modern Airbus equipment and developing new routes to mainland European destinations. Aer Lingus had previously largely neglected mainland Europe in favour of US and British destinations. It positioned itself as competition to the European [[no frills|no-frills]] airlines while offering intercontinental flights, phased-out Business class travel for short-haul flights, but retained cargo services on a small number of routes.[[File:aerlingus.a321-200.ei-cpe.arp.jpg|thumb|An [[Airbus A321]] landing at [[London Heathrow Airport]] in 2007.]] A large order for A320 aircraft saw deliveries commencing in 2004 and continuing to 2011. The delivery of these aircraft allowed the withdrawal of the [[Boeing 737]]. On 29 October 2005, Aer Lingus withdrew its last two 737 aircraft from service, marking the end of Boeing aircraft at Aer Lingus, and the beginning of an all-Airbus fleet. On 27 October 2005, Aer Lingus announced its first scheduled service to Asia from March 2006 as [[Dubai International Airport]] in the United Arab Emirates, where Chief Executive [[Dermot Mannion]] was based when at [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]].<ref name=privatise>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/1027/aerlingus-business.html |title=RTÉ Business: Aer Lingus must privatise in 2006: CEO |work=RTÉ News |date=27 October 2005 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=26 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026105211/http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/1027/aerlingus-business.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the Aer Lingus press release describing it as the first long-haul service outside the United States, there had in fact been a previous service to [[Montreal]] from 1966 to 1979. The [[great circle]] distance of {{convert|5926|km}} is comparable to the service to Chicago. At the same time, Mannion linked the funding of new long-haul aircraft to replace the A330 fleet with the privatisation of the airline.<ref name=ReplaceA330>{{cite web |url=http://www.finfacts.com/irelandbusinessnews/publish/article_10003763.shtml |title=the funding of new long-haul aircraft to replace the A330 fleet with the privatisation of the airline |publisher=Finfacts.com |access-date=17 April 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110517130619/http://www.finfacts.com/irelandbusinessnews/publish/article_10003763.shtml| archive-date= 17 May 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref> The Dubai service ceased in March 2008 as the airline sought to increase its market share in the newly liberalised transatlantic market. On 6 June 2007, Aer Lingus strengthened its relationship with the European manufacturer by ordering six of the new A350-900 and six A330-300. These were used to expand long-haul operations as well as replace three older models. Deliveries of the A330 began in February 2009. In 2011, Aer Lingus switched their remaining three A330 orders to A350-900s, with delivery no sooner than 2017. The A350 orders were subsequently assumed by IAG in 2015.<ref name="fleet">AerLingus corporate website detailing its [http://corporate.aerlingus.com/companyprofile/fleet/index.html current fleet of aircraft] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426174558/http://corporate.aerlingus.com/companyprofile/fleet/index.html |date=26 April 2015 }}, visited: 3 July 2013</ref><ref name="IAG Capital Markets Day">{{cite web|url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MzkzMjE1fENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0z&t=1&cb=636452658710557042|title=IAG Capital Markets Day|publisher=International Airlines Group|access-date=15 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104120945/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MzkzMjE1fENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0z&t=1&cb=636452658710557042|archive-date=4 November 2017}}</ref> ==== Flotation ==== [[File:Wing 0587.JPG|thumb|The Aer Lingus logo painted on an Airbus A330 [[Wingtip device|winglet]].]] In preparation for the commercial flotation of Aer Lingus on the Dublin stock market, the Irish government agreed to abolish the [[Shannon Airport#The "Shannon stopover"|Shannon Stopover]] from the end of 2006 in stages. The company began conditional (or "grey-market") share dealings on 27 September 2006 and was formally admitted to the Official Lists of the [[Irish Stock Exchange]] and [[London Stock Exchange]] on 2 October 2006. At the time of the flotation, the Irish government maintained a 28% shareholding, while employees held 15%. The stock IPO offer price was €2.20.<ref name=SharePrice>{{cite web |url=http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=AERL.L#symbol=aerl.l;range=5y;compare=;indicator=volume;charttype=area;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=off;source=; |title=AER LINGUS GRP Share Price Chart |work=Yahoo! Finance UK & Ireland |access-date=17 April 2011 |archive-date=15 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315215226/http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=AERL.L#symbol=aerl.l;range=5y;compare=;indicator=volume;charttype=area;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=off;source=; |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Hennessy>{{cite web |last=Hennessy |first=Niamh |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/fewer-passengers-fly-aer-lingus-144528.html |title=Fewer passengers fly Aer Lingus |work=[[Irish Examiner]] |date=8 February 2011 |access-date=17 April 2011 |archive-date=18 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118041404/http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/fewer-passengers-fly-aer-lingus-144528.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Aer Lingus withdrew from the Oneworld airline alliance on 31 March 2007, instead, entering into bilateral agreements with airlines including [[British Airways]], [[Virgin Atlantic]], [[Delta Air Lines]], [[KLM]], and [[United Airlines]]. Aer Lingus explained the move stating the carrier was repositioning as a low-cost carrier, which did not fit with Oneworld's pitch to the premium international frequent flyer. On 6 February 2007, however, the airline announced its intention to form a new alliance with [[JetBlue]]. This new alliance was to act as a weblink between the two airlines, enabling Aer Lingus customers to book JetBlue destinations from the Aer Lingus website. In 2008, it also announced an alliance with [[United Airlines]] for connecting services within the US. With the flotation of Aer Lingus on the stock exchange, Aer Lingus had planned to expand its route network, but this was put on hold due to the economic situation. ==== First Ryanair takeover bid (2006) ==== On 5 October 2006, Ryanair launched a bid to buy Aer Lingus. Ryanair CEO [[Michael O'Leary (Ryanair)|Michael O'Leary]] said the move was a "unique opportunity" to form an Irish airline. The "new" airline would carry over 50 million passengers a year. Ryanair said it had bought a 16% stake in Aer Lingus and was offering €2.80 for the remaining shares, a premium over the €2.20 the shares were trading for. The firm was trading at €1.13bn but Ryanair's offer valued it at €1.48bn.<ref name=Reject>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5408780.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |title=Aer Lingus rejects Ryanair offer |date=5 October 2006 |access-date=23 April 2010 |archive-date=15 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115082045/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5408780.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On the same day Aer Lingus rejected Ryanair's takeover bid.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1005/ryanair-business.html |title=Aer Lingus says no as Ryanair ups stake |work=RTÉ News |date=5 October 2006 |access-date=17 April 2011 |archive-date=11 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311153624/http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1005/ryanair-business.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 October 2006, Ryanair confirmed it had raised its stake to 19.2%, and said it had no problem in the Irish Government keeping its 28.3%. ''[[The Irish Times]]'' reported that the Government would possibly seek judgement from the courts, and referral to competition authorities in Dublin – although this would be automatic under European regulation, as the combined group would control 78% of the Dublin – London passenger air traffic.<ref name=Lifts>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5412002.stm | work=BBC News | title=Ryanair lifts stake in Aer Lingus | date=6 October 2006 | access-date=23 April 2010 | archive-date=9 October 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061009214848/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5412002.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 November 2006, Ryanair confirmed it had taken its stake to 26.2%.<ref name="Elderfield">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=29 November 2006 |title=O'Leary in new ?88m swoop on Aer Lingus |newspaper=[[Irish Independent]] |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/oleary-in-new-88m-swoop-on-aer-lingus/26357626.html |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214139/http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1732187&issue_id=14940 |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> On 21 December 2006, Ryanair announced it was withdrawing its bid for Aer Lingus, with the intent of pursuing another bid soon after the [[European Commission]] finishes investigating the bid. The EC has been concerned that the takeover would reduce consumer choice and increase fares.<ref name=CNBC>{{cite news| title=Ryanair Withdraws $1.9 Billion Bid for Air Lingus| url=https://www.cnbc.com/2006/12/20/ryanair-withdraws-19-billion-bid-for-air-lingus.html| date=20 December 2006| work=[[CNBC]]| access-date=10 July 2015| agency=[[Associated Press]]| archive-date=12 July 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712063441/http://www.cnbc.com/id/16303484/| url-status=live}}</ref> On 27 June 2007, the European Commission announced its decision to block the bid on competition grounds saying the two airlines controlled more than 80% of all European flights to and from Dublin Airport.<ref name=Blocked>{{cite news |work=BBC News |title=Ryanair's Aer Lingus bid blocked |date=27 June 2007 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6244894.stm |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=12 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712082224/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6244894.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== Cross border expansion ==== On 7 August 2007, the airline announced that it would establish its first base outside the Republic of Ireland at [[Belfast International Airport]] in [[Northern Ireland]]. Services from Belfast International commenced in December 2007. {{as of|2008|July}}, the airline had three [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320]] aircraft based at the airport, serving eleven European destinations. Significantly, this move restored the Belfast International to [[London Heathrow Airport]] link and Aer Lingus cooperated with its codeshare partner British Airways on this route to connect with BA's network at Heathrow. To do so, the airline discontinued its [[Shannon Airport|Shannon]]-Heathrow service, a move that generated political controversy in the west of Ireland, particularly as the Shannon-London route was still profitable. The airline predicted that this move would add one million additional passengers annually.<ref name=Appeals>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0807/aerlingus-business.html |work=RTÉ News |title=Ryanair appeals to Government on Shannon |date=7 August 2007 |access-date=17 April 2011 |archive-date=11 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311180039/http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0807/aerlingus-business.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Belfast>{{cite web |url=http://www.belfastairport.com/en/content/4/58/airlines.html |publisher=Belfast International Airport |title=Airlines |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=16 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516104605/http://www.belfastairport.com/en/content/4/58/airlines.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Shannon to [[London Heathrow Airport|Heathrow]] service has since been reinstated. After five years at Belfast International Airport, Aer Lingus announced on 19 July 2012 that it would be moving its operations to [[George Best Belfast City Airport]]. The airline transferred its Belfast – London Heathrow flights to there, and also announced the operation of a thrice-daily London Gatwick service (no longer operated), and on 31 March 2013, launched services to Faro and [[Málaga]]. Aer Lingus based two aircraft in Belfast City Airport for the Winter 2012–2013 season and a third aircraft arrived for the Summer 2013 season. ==== Open Skies ==== On 22 March 2007, as a result of the [[EU–US Open Skies Agreement]], Aer Lingus announced three new long-haul services to the United States. From Autumn 2007, Aer Lingus commenced direct flights to [[Orlando International Airport|Orlando]], San Francisco and Washington, D.C.-[[Washington Dulles International Airport|Dulles]], facilitated by the arrival of two new Airbus A330 aircraft in May 2007. The airline also serves Boston ([[Logan International Airport]]), Chicago ([[O'Hare International Airport]]), and New York ([[John F. Kennedy International Airport|JFK Airport]]). Aer Lingus ended its Middle-Eastern Route to [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]] in March 2008 and ended its Los Angeles route in November 2008. The [[Dulles International Airport|Washington D.C.]] and the San Francisco routes were discontinued {{as of|2009|October|24|lc=y}}. Services from Washington, D.C., resumed on 28 March 2010 when the airline began flights from Washington, D.C., to [[Madrid-Barajas Airport|Madrid]], Spain in a joint venture with United Airlines. The airline terminated this route on 30 October 2012.<ref name="Hancock">{{cite news |last=Hancock |first=Ciarán |date=3 August 2012 |title=United terminates service with Aer Lingus to Madrid |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/united-terminates-service-with-aer-lingus-to-madrid-1.529270 |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804120022/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/0803/1224321365982.html |archive-date=4 August 2012}}</ref> Service to San Francisco resumed on 2 April 2014. Dublin–Washington Dulles service began in May 2015. The Dublin–Los Angeles route was reintroduced on 4 May 2016. Other US destinations include [[Bradley International Airport|Hartford]], introduced on 28 September 2016; [[Seattle-Tacoma International Airport|Seattle]], introduced on 18 May 2018; [[Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport|Minneapolis-St Paul]], introduced on 1 July 2019. ==== Effect of 2008 recession ==== After reporting losses of €22 million for the first half of the year, in October 2008, Aer Lingus announced a €74 million cost-saving plan.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Pallister|first=David|date=2008-10-06|title=Aer Lingus to axe 1,500 jobs in bid to save €74m|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/oct/07/aer.lingus|access-date=2020-07-21|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721140222/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/oct/07/aer.lingus|url-status=live}}</ref> This plan included cutting up to 1,500 jobs, scaled back ground operations at Cork airport, and outsourced all ground staff at Dublin airport.<ref name=":0" /> This met with a largely negative response particularly from trade unions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/unions-to-discuss-draconian-aer-lingus-cost-cutting-plan-380613.html|title=Unions to discuss 'draconian' Aer Lingus cost-cutting plan|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=10 July 2015|date=7 October 2008|archive-date=11 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711092242/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/unions-to-discuss-draconian-aer-lingus-cost-cutting-plan-380613.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2008, Aer Lingus announced that the Shannon – Heathrow service would resume from 29 March 2009 following new arrangements with the trade unions on staff costs and the Shannon Airport Authority on airport charges.<ref>{{cite news| title=Aer Lingus resumes Shannon-Heathrow route| work=RTÉ News| date=22 December 2008| url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1222/aerlingus.html| access-date=1 January 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225030306/http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1222/aerlingus.html| archive-date=25 December 2008 | url-status=live}}</ref> However at the end of June 2009 the company had accumulated losses of €93 million and Chairman Colm Barrington confirmed this situation could not continue.<ref>{{cite news| title=Aer Lingus 'will look for pay cuts'| work=RTÉ News| date=28 September 2009| url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0828/aerlingus-business.html| access-date=1 January 2009| archive-date=23 February 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223203616/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0828/aerlingus-business.html| url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2009, newly appointed Chief Executive Christoph Mueller announced a radical cost-cutting plan that would lead to the loss of 676 jobs at the company and see pay and pension reductions for those being retained. The total plan aimed to achieve savings of €97 million between then and 2011. As a six-week consultation process began, Mueller refused to rule out further cuts in the future.<ref>{{cite news| title=Aer Lingus staff briefed on job cuts| work=RTÉ News| date=7 October 2009| url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1007/aerlingus.html| access-date=1 January 2009| archive-date=10 October 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010062336/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1007/aerlingus.html| url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Second Ryanair takeover bid (2008/2009) ==== [[File:Aer Lingus (EI-BDY), Dublin, July 1992 (01).jpg|thumb|An Aer Lingus [[Boeing 737-200]] and a [[BAC One-Eleven]] of rival airline [[Ryanair]] at Dublin Airport in 1992.]] On 1 December 2008, Ryanair launched a second takeover bid of Aer Lingus, making an all-cash offer of [[Euro|€]]748 million ([[Pound sterling|£]]619mil; US$950mil). The €1.40 offer was a 28% premium on the average closing price of Aer Lingus stock during the 30 days to 28 November 28 (€1.09), but half what Ryanair had offered in 2006. Ryanair said, "Aer Lingus, as a small, stand-alone, regional airline has been marginalised and bypassed as most other EU flag carriers consolidate." The two airlines would operate separately and Ryanair claimed that it would double the Aer Lingus short-haul fleet from 33 to 66 and create 1,000 new jobs.<ref name=08reject>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7757971.stm| title=Aer Lingus rejects Ryanair offer| work=BBC News| date=1 December 2008| access-date=4 August 2009| archive-date=30 September 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930100027/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7757971.stm| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Michaels>{{cite news |last=Michaels |first=Daniel |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122811697181368635 |title=Ryanair's Renewed Offer for Aer Lingus is Rejected |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=1 December 2008 |access-date=4 August 2009 |archive-date=5 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405054157/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122811697181368635 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1201/ryanair-business.html |title=Aer Lingus rejects Ryanair's offer |work=RTÉ News |date=30 January 2009 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=26 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026105236/http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1201/ryanair-business.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Aer Lingus Board rejected the offer and advised its [[shareholder]]s to take no action.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1201/aerlingus.html |title=RTÉ News: Aer Lingus rejects Ryanair takeover bid |work=RTÉ News |date=1 December 2008 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025095549/http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1201/aerlingus.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The offer was eventually rejected by a majority of the other shareholders. It was the second failed attempt by Michael O'Leary to take over the national flag carrier. Ryanair initially left the offer open to Aer Lingus until it withdrew the bid on 28 January 2009.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-01-28|title=Ryanair officially drops Aer Lingus bid|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2009/0128/113280-ryanair/|language=en|work=RTÉ News |access-date=18 February 2020|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724233809/https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2009/0128/113280-ryanair/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Irish Government slammed O'Leary's offer as "undervaluing the airline" and stated that a Ryanair takeover would have a "significant negative impact" on competition in the industry and on the Irish consumer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0621/325907-ryanair-aer-lingus-leo-varadkar/ |title=Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar says Ryanair bid undervalues Aer Lingus |work=RTÉ News |date=12 June 2012 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711132301/http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0621/325907-ryanair-aer-lingus-leo-varadkar/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ryanair repeatedly stated that another bid was unlikely,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2010/0107/126072-ryanair/ |title=New Aer Lingus bid unlikely – Ryanair |publisher=RTÉ Business |date=7 January 2010 |access-date=6 June 2010 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402204729/http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2010/0107/126072-ryanair/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but it kept a stake in Aer Lingus, prompting an investigation by competition regulators in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=2010-10-29 |title=British trading regulator to probe Ryanair's Aer Lingus stake |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/arid-30479607.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101101054236/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/29/349105/uk-regulator-surprises-ryanair-with-aer-lingus-merger.html |archive-date=1 November 2010 |access-date=2023-12-13 |publisher=[[Irish Examiner]]}}</ref> In June 2009, Aer Lingus re-branded its ''Premier Class'' to the new ''Business Class''. ==== Gatwick base ==== On 19 December 2008, Aer Lingus announced that it would open a base at [[Gatwick Airport]]. Four aircraft were based there beginning April 2009, serving eight destinations that included Dublin, Faro, Knock, Málaga, Munich, Nice, Vienna and Zürich. CEO Dermot Mannion also said the company expects to increase the number of aircraft based at Gatwick to eight within 12 months.<ref name=Gatwick>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1219/aerlingus.html |title=Aer Lingus to set up Gatwick base |work=RTÉ News |date=19 December 2008 |access-date=4 August 2009 |archive-date=14 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414232443/http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1219/aerlingus.html |url-status=live }}</ref> {{as of|2009|June|6}}, the airline based an additional A320 aircraft at Gatwick, bringing the total number to five and making Gatwick its biggest base outside Ireland. This resulted in six new routes to Bucharest, Eindhoven, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Vilnius and Warsaw which commenced in late October 2009. The Gatwick to Nice route was suspended for the winter months.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} On 8 January 2010, due to the weak demand in air travel, Aer Lingus announced that it was to reduce the number of aircraft based at Gatwick from five to three. The three remaining aircraft were to operate the carrier's services to Dublin, Knock and Málaga as well as a new route to Cork.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aer Lingus to cut Gatwick planes to three |work=RTÉ News |date=8 January 2010 |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0108/aerlingus-business.html |access-date=7 January 2011 |archive-date=23 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223183233/http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0108/aerlingus-business.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2011, Aer Lingus announced a new daily service from Gatwick to Shannon starting at the end of March. The service has since been suspended.<ref>{{cite news |last=Duggan |first=Barry |date=6 January 2011 |title=New route gives lift to Shannon |newspaper=[[Irish Independent]] |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/new-route-gives-lift-to-shannon/26611446.html |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109010545/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/new-route-gives-lift-to-shannon-2485743.html |archive-date=9 January 2011}}</ref> The service to Málaga was suspended in January 2012 and the base closed in 2015.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} The Gatwick to Cork route ended 27 October 2012. A new service from Gatwick to Belfast City Airport started on 28 October, operating three times per day, and follows the airline's move from Belfast-International Airport to Belfast City Airport. That service was suspended on 27 April 2016.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} ==== Appointment of Christoph Mueller as CEO ==== On 6 April 2009, CEO [[Dermot Mannion]] announced his resignation from the airline after four years as Chief Executive.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/managementIssues/idUSL639547520090406 |title=Aer Lingus CEO resigns, search for successor on |work=[[Reuters]] |date=6 April 2009 |access-date=17 April 2011}}</ref> He was replaced by German-born [[Christoph Mueller|Christoph Müller]] (alternative spelling "Mueller"), former head of [[TUI Travel]] and [[Sabena]], who joined Aer Lingus on 1 October 2009.<ref name=Mueller>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2014/0718/631536-christoph-mueller-aer-lingus/ |title=Christoph Mueller to leave Aer Lingus next year |work=RTÉ News |date=18 July 2014 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711113813/http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2014/0718/631536-christoph-mueller-aer-lingus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 2 December 2009, Aer Lingus announced that talks with its unions had broken down. As a result, the board voted to reduce capacity, and with it associated jobs, as a response. According to Mueller, concessions offered by unions were of a short-term nature, and the airline was asked for high compensation in return. Aer Lingus did not identify the routes or jobs to be cut, but they would most likely "commence immediately and will be compulsory," according to Mueller.<ref name="Axe">{{cite news |last=Lindsay |first=Robert |date=2 December 2009 |title=Aer Lingus to axe more jobs as pay talks fail |work=[[The Times]] |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/aer-lingus-to-axe-more-jobs-as-pay-talks-fail-tgz5h6zxp8p |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207200913/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/12/01/335683/aer-lingus-to-axe-routes-and-jobs-after-cost-talks-fail.html |archive-date=7 December 2009}}</ref> {{as of|2010|April}} all employees' groups had passed votes on the acceptance of the 'Greenfield' cost-cutting plans which were expected to save €57M annually. Once implemented the second phase of cost-cutting was to commence which aimed to save €40M annually by reducing 'back office staff' numbers by up to 40% according to the CEO. Mueller indicated that Aer Lingus intended to reposition itself again, moving away from head-to-head competition with [[Ryanair]] in the low-cost sector to a more hybrid model with a stronger emphasis on service. As part of this move, Aer Lingus entered talks to join an airline alliance again, having left Oneworld in 2007.<ref name="Alliance2010">{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus looking to join an alliance |work=[[Air Transport World]] |url=http://atwonline.com/airline-finance-data/news/aer-lingus-looking-join-alliance-0610 |date=11 June 2010 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614101916/http://atwonline.com/airline-finance-data/news/aer-lingus-looking-join-alliance-0610 |archive-date=14 June 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Aer Lingus announced on 15 June 2010 that it would suspend services from [[Shannon Airport|Shannon]] to [[Logan International Airport|Boston]] and [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York (JFK)]] for 11 weeks beginning January 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0615/shannon.html |title=Aer Lingus will suspend Shannon, US flights |work=RTḖ News |date=16 June 2010 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025134522/http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0615/shannon.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== 75th anniversary ==== Aer Lingus celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2011. On 26 March, the company presented its latest aircraft which has been painted in the 1960s [[livery]] and the crew was wearing a selection of historical uniforms.<ref>{{cite news| work=[[RTÉ News and Current Affairs]]| url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0326/aerlingus.html#video| title=Aer Lingus hopes for steady growth| date=26 March 2011| access-date=10 July 2015| archive-date=3 November 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103015849/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0326/aerlingus.html#video| url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Third Ryanair takeover bid (2012) ==== On 19 June 2012, Ryanair announced its intention to launch another bid to take over Aer Lingus, at €1.30 per share, for a total of €694 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ryanair-makes-surprise-bid-for-aer-lingus-373180/ |access-date=20 June 2012 |title=Ryanair makes surprise bid for Aer Lingus |work=Flightglobal |archive-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630143350/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ryanair-makes-surprise-bid-for-aer-lingus-373180/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ryanair expressed the hope that the competition authorities would not block this attempt, pointing to the recent takeovers of [[British Midland International|bmi]] and [[Brussels Airlines]] by [[International Airlines Group]] (IAG) (parent company of [[Iberia]] and British Airways) and [[Lufthansa]], respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 19, 2012 |title=Ryanair makes cash bid for Aer Lingus |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSASM00035M/ |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922072104/http://www.ryanair.com/doc/news/2012/aerlingus_20120619.pdf |archive-date=22 September 2012}}</ref><br /> On 20 June 2012, Aer Lingus issued a press release stating that having reviewed Ryanair's proposed offer, the company board rejected it and advised the company's shareholders not to take any action concerning it. The statement pointed out that any offer from Ryanair was unlikely to be capable of completion due to, firstly, the EU Commission's 2007 decision to block the airline's bid for Aer Lingus at the time, and, secondly, the [[Competition Commission (United Kingdom)|UK Competition Commission's]] ongoing investigation of Ryanair's minority stake in Aer Lingus. Furthermore, the press release stated that the Aer Lingus board believed that Ryanair's offer undervalued Aer Lingus, considering the airline's profitability and balance sheet, including cash reserves over €1 billion ({{as of|2012|March|31|lc=y}}).<ref>{{cite press release |access-date=10 July 2015 |url=http://corporate.aerlingus.com/media/corporateaerlinguscom/content/pdfs/Statement_Re_Ryanair_Offer.pdf |date=20 June 2012 |title=Aer Lingus Group plc – Statement regarding Ryanair Offer |publisher=Aer Lingus |archive-date=12 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712210723/http://corporate.aerlingus.com/media/corporateaerlinguscom/content/pdfs/Statement_Re_Ryanair_Offer.pdf }}</ref> On 27 February 2013, the European Commission blocked the third attempt by Ryanair to take over Aer Lingus, stating that the merger would have damaged consumers' choice and resulted in increased fares.<ref name=Third>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21608407 |title=Ryanair's bid to take over Aer Lingus blocked |work=BBC News |date=27 February 2013 |access-date=24 April 2015 |archive-date=17 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617051114/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21608407 |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== Virgin Atlantic wet-lease agreement ==== {{Further|Virgin Atlantic Little Red}} In December 2012, following the acquisition of [[British Midland International]] by British Airways, [[Virgin Atlantic]] was awarded slots to fly domestic routes in the UK from Heathrow Airport, ending the monopoly on these services that BA had held since its successful takeover. Aer Lingus supplied on a [[wet lease]] agreement four Airbus A320-214 aircraft (painted in Virgin's colours but under Irish registration<ref name="fleet" />) as well as crew for these services, which operated from London Heathrow to Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Manchester. Services began on 31 March 2013 to Manchester.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/bb/en/footer/media-centre/press-releases/short-haul.html |title=Virgin Atlantic Short Haul Plans Revealed |publisher=Virgin Atlantic Airways |date=17 December 2012 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=13 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713114729/http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/bb/en/footer/media-centre/press-releases/short-haul.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This wet-lease agreement ended in September 2015, as Virgin Atlantic cancelled its domestic services.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29504715|title=Virgin Atlantic cancels Little Red domestic flight service|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=24 April 2015|date=6 October 2014|archive-date=1 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601034251/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29504715|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Long-haul expansion ==== In July 2013, expansion into North America was announced launching in 2014; including a direct service from Dublin to [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]] five times weekly and a daily service from Dublin to Toronto to be operated by [[Air Contractors]] with [[Boeing 757]]s on behalf of the airline. It was also announced that transatlantic services from Shannon to Boston and New York would operate daily all year round from January 2014 to Boston and from March 2014 to New York's [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]; however, the airline would lease Boeing 757 aircraft from Air Contractors to operate these routes, rather than using its Airbus A330 aircraft as it had done before.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 3, 2013 |title=Aer Lingus Announces Major Transatlantic Expansion |work=[[Yahoo! Finance]] |publisher=[[Marketwired]] |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/aer-lingus-announces-major-transatlantic-141515323.html |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923175336/http://www.aslaviationgroup.com/images/pdfs/Aer_Lingus_Transatlantic_Media_Release_3_July_2013.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref> In addition, Aer Lingus service to Washington Dulles airport resumed 1 May 2015, with four flights weekly, and flights to Los Angeles, Newark, Miami, Philadelphia, and Seattle all started between 2015 and 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aerlingus.com/travelinformation/weboffersfromusa/washingtondcservice/|title=Get the latest Aer Lingus web offers from USA|publisher=Aer Lingus|access-date=24 April 2015|archive-date=12 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712202403/http://www.aerlingus.com/travelinformation/weboffersfromusa/washingtondcservice/|url-status=live}}</ref> Flights from Dublin to Minneapolis operated from 2019 until being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic; they were scheduled to resume 29 April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus |url=https://www.aerlingus.com/about-us/aer-lingus-news/new-denver-minneapolis-summer-2024/ |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=www.aerlingus.com}}</ref> On 24 March 2021, Aer Lingus announced the launch of four new routes from [[Manchester Airport]]; [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York John F Kennedy]] and [[Orlando International Airport|Orlando]] from 29 July 2021, [[Grantley Adams International Airport|Barbados]] from 20 October 2021 and [[Logan International Airport|Boston]] from summer 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mediacentre.aerlingus.com/pressrelease/details/108/12965|title=Aer Lingus launches four new direct, non-stop transatlantic flights from Manchester creating up to 120 jobs|website=mediacentre.aerlingus.com|access-date=29 April 2021}}</ref> ==== Change of CEO ==== On 18 July 2014, Aer Lingus said it had "been agreed" between the company and Mueller that he would step down as CEO and director in May 2015. Mueller left to join Malaysia Airlines as part of its restructuring exercise.<ref name=Mueller /> On 16 February 2015 the company announced that the new CEO and director would be Stephen Kavanagh, beginning 1 March 2015.<ref>{{cite news| title=Stephen Kavanagh is new Aer Lingus chief executive| url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/stephen-kavanagh-is-new-aer-lingus-chief-executive-1.2105593| date=16 February 2015| newspaper=The Irish Times| access-date=10 July 2015| archive-date=11 July 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711221753/http://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/stephen-kavanagh-is-new-aer-lingus-chief-executive-1.2105593| url-status=live}}</ref> As of 1 January 2019, Sean Doyle became the new Aer Lingus CEO.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/aer-lingus-chief-stephen-kavanagh-to-step-down-next-year-1.3660082|title=Aer Lingus chief Stephen Kavanagh to step down next year|first=Peter|last=Hamilton|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=9 April 2019|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012015740/https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/aer-lingus-chief-stephen-kavanagh-to-step-down-next-year-1.3660082|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 6 April 2021 Lynne Embleton became the new Aer Lingus [[CEO]]. ==== IAG takeover (2014/2015) ==== On 14 December 2014, International Airlines Group (IAG), owner of [[British Airways]], [[Iberia (airline)|Iberia]] and [[Vueling]], launched a €1 billion takeover-bid (€2.30 per-share) for Aer Lingus Group plc. The Aer Lingus Board rejected the offer on 16 December 2014, with Aer Lingus commenting that the offer was, "preliminary, highly conditional and non-binding". It was further noted: "The board has reviewed the proposal and believes that it fundamentally undervalues Aer Lingus and its attractive prospects. Accordingly, the proposal was rejected".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/aer-lingus-rejected-iag-takeover-approach-on-value-terms-1.2042517 |title=Aer Lingus rejected IAG takeover approach on value terms |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=24 April 2015 |archive-date=12 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712011404/http://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/aer-lingus-rejected-iag-takeover-approach-on-value-terms-1.2042517 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 9 January 2015, Aer Lingus rejected a second bid from IAG, proposing a €2.40 per-share takeover.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2015/0109/671573-aer-lingus-iag/|title=Aer Lingus rejects second approach from IAG|date=9 January 2015|work=RTḖ News|access-date=24 April 2015|archive-date=11 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111233656/http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2015/0109/671573-aer-lingus-iag/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 24 January 2015, IAG launched a third bid for Aer Lingus, proposing a €2.55 per-share takeover offer, totalling close to €1.4 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/business/iag-to-make-third-bid-for-aer-lingus-30935093.html |title=IAG to make third bid for Aer Lingus |newspaper=Irish Independent |access-date=24 April 2015 |archive-date=4 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404210935/http://www.independent.ie/business/iag-to-make-third-bid-for-aer-lingus-30935093.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 January 2015, Aer Lingus's board announced that "the financial terms of IAG's third proposal for the airline are at a level it is willing to recommend", Aer Lingus said it noted, "IAG's intentions regarding the future of the company, in particular, that Aer Lingus would operate as a separate business with its own brand, management and operations".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2015/0127/675839-aer-lingus-iag/ |title=Government to contact IAG on Aer Lingus bid |date=27 January 2015 |work=RTḖ News |access-date=24 April 2015 |archive-date=27 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127074538/http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2015/0127/675839-aer-lingus-iag/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 26 May 2015, the Irish Government agreed to the sale of its 25% shareholding to IAG, with a takeover now dependent on Ryanair's position on the matter.<ref name="irishtimes.com" /> On 10 July 2015, Ryanair voted to sell its nearly 30% stake in the airline. The takeover was later approved by the EU and US regulators subject to IAG giving up five [[Landing slot|slot pairs]] at [[London Gatwick Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9fd19dec-2a5c-11e5-acfb-cbd2e1c81cca.html |title=IAG cleared for Aer Lingus takeover |date=14 July 2015 |work=Financial Times |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-date=18 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718011627/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9fd19dec-2a5c-11e5-acfb-cbd2e1c81cca.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 2 September 2015, IAG assumed control of Aer Lingus.<ref name="IAGShare" /> On 17 September 2015, following completion of the acquisition by IAG, the company's shares were withdrawn from the [[Irish Stock Exchange]] and the [[London Stock Exchange]]. === 2020s === {{See also|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism}} On 25 February 2020, Aer Lingus noted it had been advised by the [[Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Ireland)|Department of Foreign Affairs]] that travel restrictions were being placed on several [[Italy|Italian]] towns within Italy's [[Lombardy]] region as a result of an outbreak of [[COVID-19]] there,<ref name="COVID-19 statement">{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus Coronavirus Statement 15th March |url=https://mediacentre.aerlingus.com/news/27022020/aer-lingus-coronavirus-statement-15th-march |publisher=Aer Lingus Group DAC |access-date=27 February 2020 |archive-date=12 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612222555/https://mediacentre.aerlingus.com/news/27022020/aer-lingus-coronavirus-statement-15th-march |url-status=live }}</ref> however stated all flights would continue to operate,<ref name="COVID-19 statement" /> further advising all flights operated would continue to comply with guidelines locally from the [[Health Service Executive|HSE]] as well as from the [[World Health Organization|WHO]] and [[European Union Aviation Safety Agency|EASA]].<ref name="COVID-19 statement" /> [[File:EI-EIM@PEK (20200330095829).jpg|thumb|An Aer Lingus Airbus A330-300 in Beijing, China during late March 2020 retrieving PPE for Ireland's [[Health Service Executive|HSE]].<ref>{{cite news |date=29 March 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Historic Ireland-China PPE flights lands in Dublin |publisher=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-52085363 |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404011853/https://en.brinkwire.com/wires/aer-lingus-plane-sent-to-pick-up-e20m-worth-of-ppe-from-china-has-landed-in-beijing/ |archive-date=4 April 2020}}</ref>]] On 28 February, Aer Lingus had been informed that a passenger had travelled with COVID-19 on a service from Milan-Linate to Dublin<ref name="NI Covid">{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Aer Lingus confirms passenger travelled on airline from Italy to Dublin |newspaper=Belfasttelegraph |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-aer-lingus-confirms-passenger-travelled-on-airline-from-italy-to-dublin-38999029.html |publisher=Belfast Telegraph |access-date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=12 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612222554/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-aer-lingus-confirms-passenger-travelled-on-airline-from-italy-to-dublin-38999029.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and that it was cooperating fully with the HSE and Department for Foreign Affairs.<ref name="COVID-19 statement" /> Four Aer Lingus cabin crew were also placed into self-isolation from the flight in question.<ref name="NI Covid" /> The following day, Aer Lingus announced flight suspensions to Northern Italy,<ref>{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus cuts Italian flights for March over virus |date=29 February 2020 |url=https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/aer-lingus-cuts-italian-flights-for-march-over-virus-39001458.html |publisher=Independent.ie |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-date=2 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302090526/https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/aer-lingus-cuts-italian-flights-for-march-over-virus-39001458.html |url-status=live }}</ref> subsequently extending this on 10 March to all services to Italy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ryanair and Aer Lingus suspend Italian flights |date=10 March 2020 |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0310/1121382-ryanair/ |publisher=RTÉ |access-date=10 March 2020 |last1=Goodbody |first1=Will |archive-date=11 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311153434/https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0310/1121382-ryanair/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 13 March, [[Donald Trump]], then [[President of the United States]], announced a European travel ban which initially exempted Ireland,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspension-entry-immigrants-nonimmigrants-certain-additional-persons-pose-risk-transmitting-2019-novel-coronavirus/|title=Proclamation—Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus|date=11 March 2020|first=Donald|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|last=Trump|access-date=1 March 2021|archive-date=18 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318063456/https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspension-entry-immigrants-nonimmigrants-certain-additional-persons-pose-risk-transmitting-2019-novel-coronavirus/|url-status=live}}</ref> however this was extended to cover Ireland the following day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-european-travel-ban-uk-ireland|title=Trump administration to extend European travel ban to include UK and Ireland|last=Shaw|first=Adam|date=14 March 2020|website=Fox News|language=en-US|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=14 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314234552/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-european-travel-ban-uk-ireland|url-status=live}}</ref> Aer Lingus subsequently announced network-wide reductions<ref name="EI cuts">{{cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/aer-lingus-coronavirus-staff-wages-forsa-5051915-Mar2020/|title=Aer Lingus to cut wages by 50% as airline reduces working hours for month of April|date=19 March 2020 |publisher=theJournal.ie|access-date=19 March 2020|archive-date=20 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320131657/https://www.thejournal.ie/aer-lingus-coronavirus-staff-wages-forsa-5051915-Mar2020/|url-status=live}}</ref> which eventually saw its network of flights reduced by 95%,<ref>{{cite web |title=AerLingus week of 26APR20 operations |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/291022/aerlingus-week-of-26apr20-operations/ |publisher=routesonline.com |access-date=29 April 2020 |archive-date=12 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612223612/https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/291022/aerlingus-week-of-26apr20-operations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the airlines plan for its biggest summer schedule within its history was scuppered as a result of what became a [[COVID-19 pandemic|global pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |title=For Aer Lingus, best laid plans lost in Covid fog |url=https://www.irishecho.com/2020/05/for-are-lingus-best-laid-plans-lost-in-covid-fog/ |publisher=irishecho.com |access-date=1 May 2020 |archive-date=18 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518083748/https://www.irishecho.com/2020/05/for-are-lingus-best-laid-plans-lost-in-covid-fog/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a temporary measure, the airline confirmed it was cutting hours and salaries for all employees by 50%.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus to cut wages by 50% as airline reduces working hours for month of April |date=19 March 2020 |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/aer-lingus-coronavirus-staff-wages-forsa-5051915-Mar2020/ |publisher=theJournal.ie |access-date=19 March 2020 |archive-date=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320131657/https://www.thejournal.ie/aer-lingus-coronavirus-staff-wages-forsa-5051915-Mar2020/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that month on 29 March, Aer Lingus flight EI9019 from [[Beijing]], [[China]] touched down at Dublin Airport carrying vital [[Personal protective equipment|PPE]] for Ireland's health service workers, it marked the start of hundreds of flights the carrier was expected to operate to/from China on request of the [[Government of Ireland|Government]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Shipment of PPE supplies arrives in Ireland from China |date=29 March 2020 |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0329/1127076-ppe-equipment-china/ |publisher=RTE |access-date=29 March 2020 |last1=O'Donnell |first1=Orla |archive-date=30 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330152539/https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0329/1127076-ppe-equipment-china/ |url-status=live }}</ref> With just 5% of scheduled flights operating, it was announced on 1 May 2020 that Aer Lingus was seeking 900 job cuts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus in talks with unions about 900 job cuts |date=May 2020 |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/0501/1136063-aer-lingus-jobs-cuts/ |publisher=RTÉ |access-date=1 May 2020 |last1=Goodbody |first1=Will |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501140511/https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/0501/1136063-aer-lingus-jobs-cuts/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The airline subsequently entered into talks with [[trade unions]] about changes to work practices and proposed job cuts,<ref name="EI cuts 2">{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus boss warns air travel recovery is 'years away' |date=17 May 2020 |url=https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/aer-lingus-boss-warns-air-travel-recovery-is-years-away-39209632.html |publisher=Independent.ie |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=24 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524022258/https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/aer-lingus-boss-warns-air-travel-recovery-is-years-away-39209632.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Aer Lingus CEO Sean Doyle commented that it would take years for the aviation industry to recover.<ref name="EI cuts 2" /> Aer Lingus later confirmed it was seeking further temporary pay cuts and changes to work practices in a cost saving exercise,<ref name="EI cuts 3">{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus proposes pay cuts and work changes for staff |date=9 June 2020 |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/0609/1146442-aer-lingus/ |publisher=RTÉ |access-date=9 June 2020 |last1=Miley |first1=Ingrid |archive-date=10 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610194757/https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/0609/1146442-aer-lingus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> advising that its 2021 schedule would be at least 20% lower than planned.<ref name="EI cuts 3" /> Job cuts were confirmed later that month, those holding temporary contracts were made [[Layoff|redundant]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus confirms job cuts due to 'decimation in demand' |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/aer-lingus-confirms-job-cuts-due-to-decimation-in-demand-1.4272819?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2Ftransport-and-tourism%2Faer-lingus-confirms-job-cuts-due-to-decimation-in-demand-1.4272819 |publisher=Irish Times |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-date=22 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622205158/https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/aer-lingus-confirms-job-cuts-due-to-decimation-in-demand-1.4272819?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2Ftransport-and-tourism%2Faer-lingus-confirms-job-cuts-due-to-decimation-in-demand-1.4272819 |url-status=live }}</ref> and cabin crew based in Shannon were informed that they would be temporarily laid off as the airline was not operating services from there.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus cabin crew in Shannon to be temporarily laid off |date=27 May 2020 |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/aer-lingus-job-cuts-5109434-May2020/ |publisher=RTÉ |access-date=27 May 2020 |archive-date=12 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612155106/https://www.thejournal.ie/aer-lingus-job-cuts-5109434-May2020/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 13 June, media reporting indicated broad acceptance of proposed measures based on a final draft document between Aer Lingus and Trade Unions,<ref>{{cite news |title=Aer Lingus strikes compromise with unions | newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/aer-lingus-strikes-compromise-with-unions-1.4277907?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2Ftransport-and-tourism%2Faer-lingus-strikes-compromise-with-unions-1.4277907 |access-date=13 June 2020 |archive-date=13 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613210109/https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/aer-lingus-strikes-compromise-with-unions-1.4277907?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2Ftransport-and-tourism%2Faer-lingus-strikes-compromise-with-unions-1.4277907 |url-status=live }}</ref> however the following day the union [[Fórsa]] representing over 1,400 Aer Lingus cabin crew advised of its intention to [[ballot]] members.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus cabin crew to be balloted on recovery plan |date=13 June 2020 |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2020/0613/1147229-aer-lingus-deal/ |access-date=13 June 2020 |last1=Miley |first1=Ingrid |website=[[RTÉ.ie]] |archive-date=15 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615204540/https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2020/0613/1147229-aer-lingus-deal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The airline stated on 15 June, that if acceptance was not agreed by 6pm that evening, it would withdraw its offer and implement them [[Unilateralism|unilaterally]] with a 70% cut to employees' wages excluding pilots.<ref name="EI cuts 4">{{cite web |title=Unions critical of withdrawal of offer by Aer Lingus |date=16 June 2020 |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/0616/1147832-unions-critical-of-withdrawal-of-offer-by-aer-lingus/ |publisher=RTÉ |access-date=16 June 2020 |archive-date=19 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619003248/https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/0616/1147832-unions-critical-of-withdrawal-of-offer-by-aer-lingus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As the deadline passed the airline initiated the action to implement the changes angering Trade Unions representing the majority of Aer Lingus employees.<ref name="EI cuts 4" /> On 17 June, the airline agreed to allow a ballot for up to two weeks for its pilots for changes to work practices and recovery of salaries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus pilots' wages to recover to 80% by April |date=17 June 2020 |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2020/0617/1148093-aer-lingus-pilots/ |access-date=17 June 2020 |last1=Miley |first1=Ingrid |website=[[RTÉ.ie]] |archive-date=17 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617223943/https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2020/0617/1148093-aer-lingus-pilots/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2021, the airline said it wanted to freeze workers' pay for five years while it is proposing sharp cuts in rates paid to new cabin and crew staff.<ref>{{Cite news|last=O'Halloran|first=Barry|title=Aer Lingus seeks five-year pay freeze from workers|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/aer-lingus-seeks-five-year-pay-freeze-from-workers-1.4583282|access-date=2021-06-04|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en}}</ref> In 2024, IAG announced that Aer Lingus will no longer be the worldwide launch operator of the [[Airbus A321XLR]] as originally planned. Due to ongoing labour disputes, the first aircraft will be relocated to sister company [[Iberia (airline)|Iberia]] instead. On 23 October 2024, it was reported that Aer Lingus will be introducing a new non-stop direct route between Dublin and [[Indianapolis]], beginning 3 May 2025. The route is seen as a major milestone for the airline as currently there is no direct non-stop flights to the capital city of [[Indiana]]. Aer Lingus will be offering four flights per week using its [[Airbus A321neo|Airbus A321XLR]] aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus to launch Dublin-Indianapolis service |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2024/10/23/aer-lingus-to-launch-dublin-indianapolis-service/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Business Traveller |language=en-GB}}</ref> In January 2025, a lawsuit that was filed in 1997 by the [[Airports Authority of India]] over landing and parking charges on an aircraft leased to [[East-West Airlines (India)]] was dismissed. The court found AAI's claims to be vexatious, and levied INR10 million (Approx$. {{Formatnum:{{To USD round|15000000|IND}}}}) in costs and litigation expenses, with back interest at 9% per year. The court also ordered AAI to pay INR9.625 million (Approx$. {{Formatnum:{{To USD round|9625000|IND}}}}) that Aer Lingus incurred to keep a bank guarantee in place for the twenty-seven years – also with interest.<ref>{{cite web |title=Landmark ruling orders AAI to pay Aer Lingus INR10m in costs |url=https://law.asia/aer-lingus-operational-liability-ruling/ |website=India Business Law Journal |date=16 January 2025 |access-date=9 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117070147/https://law.asia/aer-lingus-operational-liability-ruling/ |archive-date=January 17, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> == Corporate affairs == === Business trends === Key trends for Aer Lingus are (as at year ending 31 December):<ref>{{Cite web |title=Annual reports {{!}} Operating Companies |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/investors-and-shareholders/financial-reporting/annual-reports/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |website=IAG}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- | style="background: #008374;" | ! Total revenue<br>([[Euro|€m]]) ! Net profit<br>(€m) ! Number of<br>employees<br>([[Full-time equivalent|FTE]]){{Efn|on average}} ! Number of<br>passengers<br>(m) ! Passenger<br>load factor<br>(%) ! Number of<br>aircraft{{Efn|at year end}} ! ''References'' |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" |2007 |1,284 |105 |3,905 |9.3 |75.4 |41 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2007 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-reports/en/Aer%20Lingus%20Annual%20Report%202007.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" |2008 |1,357 |<span style="color:red;">−107</span> |4,035 |10.0 |72.8 |42 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2008 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-reports/en/Aer%20Lingus%20Annual%20Report%202008.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" |2009 |1,205 |<span style="color:red;">−130</span> |3,844 |10.4 |74.5 |44 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2009 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-reports/en/Aer%20Lingus%20Annual%20Report%202009.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" |2010 |1,215 |43.0 |3,516 |9.3 |76.1 |44 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2010 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-reports/en/Aer%20Lingus%20Annual%20Report%202010.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" |2011 |1,288 |71.2 |3,491 |9.5 |75.6 |43 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2011 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-reports/en/aer-lingus-annual-report-2011.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref name="2010results">{{cite web |title=About Us – Financial Information |url=http://www.aerlingus.com/aboutus/investorrelations/financialinformation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522052948/https://www.aerlingus.com/aboutus/investorrelations/financialinformation/ |archive-date=22 May 2011 |access-date=17 April 2011 |publisher=Aer Lingus}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" |2012 |1,393 |33.9 |3,566 |9.7 |77.7 |44 |<ref>{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2012 |url=http://corporate.aerlingus.com/media/aerlinguscom/content/pdfs/corporate/4_EIAnnualReport2012.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319062740/http://corporate.aerlingus.com/media/aerlinguscom/content/pdfs/corporate/4_EIAnnualReport2012.pdf |archive-date=19 March 2013 |access-date=7 March 2013 |publisher=Aer Lingus}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus Historic Data |url=http://corporate.aerlingus.com/media/corporateaerlinguscom/content/pdfs/Key_annual_historic_data_2006_to_2012.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308000626/http://corporate.aerlingus.com/media/corporateaerlinguscom/content/pdfs/Key_annual_historic_data_2006_to_2012.pdf |archive-date=8 March 2014 |access-date=7 March 2014 |publisher=Aer Lingus}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" |2013 |1,425 |34.1 |3,615 |9.6 |78.4 |47 |<ref>{{cite web |date=27 March 2014 |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2013 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-reports/en/aer-lingus-annual-report-2013.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109044048/http://corporate.aerlingus.com/investorrelations/resultspresentations/2013resultspresentations/ |archive-date=9 November 2014 |access-date=9 November 2014 |publisher=Aer Lingus}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" |2014 |1,557 |<span style="color:red;">−95.8</span> |3,766 |9.8 |79.0 |50 |<ref>{{cite web |date=27 March 2014 |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2014 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-reports/en/aer-lingus-annual-report-2014.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530233730/http://corporate.aerlingus.com/investorrelations/resultspresentations/2014resultspresentations/ |archive-date=30 May 2015 |access-date=30 April 2015 |publisher=Aer Lingus}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" | 2015 | 1,718 | 118 | 2,753 | 10.1 |81.6 |49 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2015 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-reports/en/aer-lingus-annual-report-2015.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701204247/https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-reports/en/aer-lingus-annual-report-2015.pdf |archive-date=1 July 2023 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" | 2016 | 1,766 | 205 |2,711 |10.4 |81.6 |51 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2016 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-reports/en/aer-lingus-annual-report-2016.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" | 2017 | 1,859 |234 |2,662 |10.9 |81.2 |53 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2017 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-reports/en/aer-lingus-annual-report-2017.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" | 2018 | 2,020 | 258 | 2,658 | 11.3 |80.9 |56 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2018 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/Aer%20Lingus%20Limited%20FS%202018%20-%20FINAL%2001032019.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" | 2019 | 2,125 | 225 | 2,646 | 11.6 |81.8 |58 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2019 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-annual-report-2019.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" | 2020 | 467 | <span style="color:red;">−502</span> | 1,609 | 2.1 |46.4 |56 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2020 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-limited-fs-year-ended-31-december-2020-signed-26-march-2021.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" |2021 |366 |<span style="color:red;">−338</span> |2,472 |2.0 |48.0 |57 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2021 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-limited-fs.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502104120/https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/aer-lingus-limited-fs.pdf |archive-date=2 May 2022 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" |2022 |1,667 |<span style="color:red;">−23.0</span> |2,283 |9.0 |77.0 |56 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2022 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/iag-annual-reports/en/aer-lingus-annual-report-2022.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701204357/https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/annual-reports/iag-annual-reports/en/aer-lingus-annual-report-2022.pdf |archive-date=1 July 2023 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |website=IAG}}</ref> |- | style="background: #008374;color:white" |2023 |2,147 |169 |2,279 |10.8 |81.0 |57 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus Annual Report 2023 |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/media/5yclhy4r/aer-lingus-annual-report-2023.pdf |access-date=25 July 2024 |website=IAG}}</ref> |} === Ownership and structure === Aer Lingus was listed on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges, under ticker EIL1 on the Irish Stock Exchange and ticker AERL on the London Stock Exchange.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://corporate.aerlingus.com/investorrelations/ |title=Welcome to Aer Lingus Investor Relations |publisher=Aer Lingus Group plc |access-date=24 April 2015 |archive-date=15 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415203815/http://corporate.aerlingus.com/investorrelations/ }}</ref> However it was delisted on 17 September 2015 following its majority acquisition by IAG. Shareholdings ({{as of|2015|September|2|lc=y}}) are:<ref name="IAGShare" /> {| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto;" |- ! style="background: #008374;" | <span style="color:white">Shareholder</span> ! style="background: #008374;" | <span style="color:white">Shares</span> ! style="background: #008374;" | <span style="color:white">Interest</span> |- | [[International Airlines Group]] || align="right" | || align="right" |98.05% |- | [[Investor|Other investors]] || align="right" | || align="right" |1.95% |- | '''Total'''|| align="right" |534,040,090|| align="right" |'''100.00%''' |} ==== Aer Lingus Cargo ==== Aer Lingus Cargo is the airline's cargo division. It uses reserved areas of passenger aircraft cargo-holds. Aer Lingus Cargo is available on all routes to the US from Dublin and [[Shannon Airport|Shannon]]. Cargo services are also offered on most European routes and some routes to the UK, the division subsequently rebranded as [[IAG Cargo]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aerlinguscargo.com/services/overview |title=Our Services |publisher=Aer Lingus Cargo |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711093645/http://www.aerlinguscargo.com/services/overview |archive-date=11 July 2015 }}</ref> ==== Aer Lingus Regional ==== {{Main|Aer Lingus Regional}} Aer Lingus Regional flights have been operated by [[Emerald Airlines]] on a franchise basis since 17 March 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aer Lingus and Emerald Airlines announce accelerated plans for launch of regional routes |url=https://www.aerlingus.com/blog/aer-lingus-and-emerald-airlines-regional-routes/ |website=Aer Lingus Blog |access-date=30 May 2022 |date=16 December 2021}}</ref> Aer Lingus had a franchise agreement with Irish regional airline [[Stobart Air]] (formerly [[Aer Arann]]), under which Stobart Air operated several routes under the [[Aer Lingus Regional]] brand, livery and flight code.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aerlingus.com/aboutus/alliances/aerarannfranchise/ |title=Aer Lingus Regional |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701083552/https://www.aerlingus.com/aboutus/alliances/aerarannfranchise/ |archive-date=1 July 2011 }}</ref> Stobart Air had not operated any flights under its own RE code since April 2012, and all its routes were transferred to Aer Lingus with flight numbers in the EI3XXX range.{{citation needed|date= June 2021}} Stobart Air was placed into liquidation in June 2021; Aer Lingus and [[BA CityFlyer]] stepped in to operate the routes on a temporary basis.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=IAG carriers take up routes abandoned by Stobart Air collapse |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iag-carriers-take-up-routes-abandoned-by-stobart-air-collapse/144133.article |work=Flight Global |date=13 June 2021 |language=en |access-date=14 June 2021 |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614063417/https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/iag-carriers-take-up-routes-abandoned-by-stobart-air-collapse/144133.article |url-status=live }}</ref> === Business model === Aer Lingus adopted a "small frills" strategic approach – a hybrid between a traditional legacy airline and a [[low-cost carrier]].<ref name="Bamber, G.J., Gittell, J.H., Kochan, T.A. & von Nordenflytch, A. 2009">{{cite book |author=Bamber, G.J. |title=Up in the Air: How Airlines Can Improve Performance by Engaging their Employees |author2=Gittell, J.H. |author3=Kochan, T.A. |author4=von Nordenflytch, A. |publisher=[[Cornell University Press]] |year=2009 |chapter=chapter 5 |access-date=2023-12-14 |chapter-url=https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9780801447471/up-in-the-air/#bookTabs=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031004303/http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/?GCOI=80140100965480 |archive-date=31 October 2015 |url-status=live |name-list-style=amp}}</ref> The difference lies in the services offered on short-haul and long-haul flights with meals offered free on the latter only. The new strategy required considerable negotiation with the unions, and a consensus was reached that lower costs and a reinvention of the airline were necessary for its survival. The union concessions that arose from the negotiations were detrimental to the airline's image however; by 2003 the wage freeze had been lifted and there were 3,800 voluntary redundancies with no forced layoffs. These factors contributed to the airline's reported profits in 2002, 2003 and 2005, with only a small loss recorded in 2004.<ref name="Bamber, G.J., Gittell, J.H., Kochan, T.A. & von Nordenflytch, A. 2009" /> === Head office === [[File:Aer Lingus Building, Dublin Airport, County Dublin, Ireland - August 2014.jpg|thumb|Aer Lingus's head office<!--See http://www.mc-bauchemie.com/en/Global-Modules/References/Air-Lingus-HQ-Airport-Dublin.aspx?l=1 -->]] [[File:Airbus A320 Aer Lingus "Retrojet" F-WWDV EI-DVM, MSN 4634.jpg|thumb|right|An [[Airbus A320]] in the retro livery at [[Toulouse–Blagnac Airport]] in 2011 before delivery to the airline.]] [[File:Self check-in at Dublin Airport.jpg|thumb|[[Airport check-in|Self-check-in]] machines of Aer Lingus at [[Dublin Airport]].]] [[File:Aer Lingus Airbus A321LR (51815135988).jpg|thumb|Interior of an Aer Lingus [[Airbus A321LR]]]] The Aer Lingus head office is located on the grounds of Dublin Airport in [[Fingal]], [[County Dublin]].<ref name=HQaddress>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aerlingus.com/legal/imprint/|title=Imprint|publisher=Aer Lingus|access-date=2024-08-13|quote=Aer Lingus Limited: Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin}}</ref> Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) renovated an existing building to create Aer Lingus's headquarters.<ref>"[http://www.mc-bauchemie.com/en/Global-Modules/References/Air-Lingus-HQ-Airport-Dublin.aspx?l=1 Air Lingus HQ Airport Dublin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105174504/http://www.mc-bauchemie.com/en/Global-Modules/References/Air-Lingus-HQ-Airport-Dublin.aspx?l=1 |date=5 November 2016 }}." MC-Bauchemie. Retrieved on 1 October 2016.</ref> The HOB Site,<ref name="SurrenderHOB">{{Cite web |title=Completion of surrender of Aer Lingus Head Office |url=https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/29878029/completion-of-surrender-of-aer-lingus-head-office-site |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=yumpu.com |format=PDF}}</ref> the {{convert|9.9|acre|ha|adj=on}} former head office site includes the former head office building, the services annexe, the Iolar House,<ref name="HQSurrender">"[http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/20100625/aer-lingus-surrenders-lease-on-head-office-site.htm Aer Lingus surrenders lease on head office site] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629064758/http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/20100625/aer-lingus-surrenders-lease-on-head-office-site.htm |date=29 June 2010 }}." ''[[International Business Times]]''. 25 June 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010.</ref> the Mock-Up Building, the ALSAA swimming pool, and various smaller structures and buildings.<ref name=SurrenderHOB /> The Head Office Building housed the corporate head office of Aer Lingus and its subsidiaries, and many administrative functions, employees, and car parking spaces, were located in this building. The Iolar House and Mock-Up Building housed training facilities for Aer Lingus crew and office space.<ref name=SurrenderHOB /> This former head office is proximate to the former Ryanair head office. Brian Lavery of ''[[The New York Times]]'' said in 2004 that the proximity, described by Lavery as "a few parking lots away," was "a symbol of just how close the competition is to home."<ref>Lavery, Brian. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/02/business/worldbusiness/02iht-wbspot2_ed3_.html SPOTLIGHT: Aer Lingus chief's survival guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126155950/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/02/business/worldbusiness/spotlight-aer-lingus-chiefs-survival-guide.html |date=26 January 2022 }}." ''[[The New York Times]]''. Saturday 2 October 2004. Retrieved 29 February 2010.</ref> In 2010, Aer Lingus announced that it surrendered the lease on its head office building to the [[Dublin Airport Authority]] and that it would move its employees to Hangar 6 and other buildings in the airline's property portfolio during the year of 2011. The airline said that its head office building, which was stated by the ''[[International Business Times]]'' to require refurbishing, was too large for the company's needs following the "Greenfield" cost reduction programme.<ref name="HQSurrender" /> On 8 November 2011 Aer Lingus signed the contract with the [[Dublin Airport Authority]] for the surrender of the leasehold interest in the HOB Site. Aer Lingus would pay €22.15 million and interest to the DAA, with €10.55 million being paid over ten years in annual payments, with each being equal size. The payments will involve a 5% interest rate per annum.<ref name=SurrenderHOB /> The former HOB Site was redeveloped into Dublin Airport Central, with the Dublin Airport Authority planning to spend €10 million. The former head office became One, Dublin Airport Central.<ref>{{cite news|author=Fagan, Jack|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/daa-begins-10m-office-development-of-old-aer-lingus-hq-at-dublin-airport-1.2151391|title=DAA begins €10m office development of old Aer Lingus HQ at Dublin airport|newspaper=[[Irish Times]]|date=23 March 2015<!--Wednesday-->|access-date=20 February 2020|archive-date=11 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111094822/http://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/daa-begins-10m-office-development-of-old-aer-lingus-hq-at-dublin-airport-1.2151391|url-status=live}}</ref> === Employee relations === On 30 May 2014, Aer Lingus [[Flight attendant|cabin crew]] staged a 24-hour [[Strike action|strike]] resulting in the cancellation of around 200 flights and the disruption of travel plans by up to 200,000 people. The workers were seeking changes to their [[Schedule (workplace)|rosters]], which the airline said that if implemented would mean the loss of 300 jobs in Ireland, which would have to be relocated to [[North America]].<ref name="AerLingus">{{cite news |date=30 May 2014 |title=Aer Lingus: Cabin crew strike affects 30,000 passengers |publisher=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-27631517 |url-status=live |access-date=2023-12-14 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140531232526/http://www.irishsun.com/index.php/sid/222467203/scat/aba4168066a10b8d/ht/Striking-Aer-Lingus-cabin-crew-should-be-punished-says-airline-shareholder |archive-date=31 May 2014}}</ref> === Sponsorships === Aer Lingus sponsored the [[Irish Times International Fiction Prize]] from 1989 to 1992, when it was also known as the Irish Times/Aer Lingus International Fiction Prize.<ref name= ltaward>{{cite web | title=Irish Times International Fiction Prize | website=[[LibraryThing]] | url=https://www.librarything.com/award/861/Irish-Times-International-Fiction-Prize | access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref> On 30 April 2015, it was announced that Aer Lingus would become the official airline of the [[Ireland national rugby union team|Irish Rugby Team]]. On the same day, it was announced that one aircraft was to be renamed "Green Spirit" and wear a special livery for the Irish Rugby Team. Another aircraft would also be painted in the same livery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/50484-aer-lingus-named-official/|title=Aer Lingus named official airline partner to the IRFU|author=Grainne Rothery|work=Business & Leadership|date=30 April 2015 |access-date=29 June 2015|archive-date=3 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503043834/http://www.businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/50484-aer-lingus-named-official/|url-status=live}}</ref> == Destinations and hubs == {{Main|List of Aer Lingus destinations}} As of June 2024, Aer Lingus flies to 93 destinations throughout [[Asia]], [[Europe]] and [[North America]]; including destinations in [[Austria]], [[Belgium]], [[Canada]], [[Croatia]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Greece]], [[Ireland]], [[Italy]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Poland]], [[Portugal]], [[Spain]], [[Switzerland]], [[Turkey]], the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States]]. In October 2022, it was announced that Aer Lingus operations between [[George Best Belfast City Airport|Belfast City]] and [[Heathrow Airport|London Heathrow]] would transfer to [[Aer Lingus UK]] due to Brexit-related requirements that a European carrier could no longer fly domestic routes within the [[United Kingdom]]. These flights were operated by [[British Airways]] under [[wet-lease]] terms using the Aer Lingus UK flight numbers and callsigns.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Aer Lingus leasing in BA capacity for UK domestic route |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/120926-aer-lingus-leasing-in-ba-capacity-for-uk-domestic-route |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=ch-aviation |language=en}}</ref> === Hubs === {{unreferenced section|date=May 2024}} Aer Lingus currently{{when|date=February 2025}} has five hubs: * [[Dublin Airport|Dublin]] – Aer Lingus uses Dublin as its primary hub for almost all transatlantic and international flights, serving many European, American, African, Asian, South American and a majority of their UK-based routes. Dublin serves as the airline's primary maintenance base. * [[Cork Airport|Cork]] – Despite a cut back in operations in recent years{{when|date=February 2025}}, Cork is still an important base for Aer Lingus. There are three aircraft based at the airport operating 10 services to the UK, and Europe. * [[Shannon Airport|Shannon]] – In smaller operations Aer Lingus serves Shannon as a secondary hub for onward connections onto transatlantic flights. Aer Lingus operate short-haul flights to London-Heathrow and Paris-Charles de Gaulle which they use to feed their daily transatlantic flights to and from Boston and New York-JFK. * [[George Best Belfast City Airport|Belfast]] – The service provided from Belfast is primarily within the UK but some international European flights operate into Belfast. After Brexit, Aer Lingus moved to provide more UK service out of Belfast than Dublin as travel laws affected the operations. * [[Manchester Airport|Manchester]] – Aer Lingus bases two Airbus A330 aircraft and serves Barbados, New York-JFK and Orlando from its Manchester hub. === Codeshare agreements === Aer Lingus has [[codeshare agreement]]s with the following airlines:<ref name="CAPA Aer Lingus profile">{{cite web |url=https://www.aerlingus.com/plan-and-book/plan/our-airline-partners/ |title=Aer Lingus Partners |website=Aer Lingus|publisher=International Airlines Group|location=Dublin |access-date=2020-04-19 |archive-date=19 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619051821/https://www.aerlingus.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{div col|colwidth=30em}} * [[Air Canada]] * [[Alaska Airlines]]<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alaska-airlines-and-aer-lingus-team-up-to-give-mileage-plan-members-more-flights-to-europe-300620551.html|title=Alaska Airlines and Aer Lingus team up to give Mileage Plan members more flights to Europe|publisher=Alaska Air Group|location=Seattle|via=Newswire|language=en|access-date=28 March 2018|archive-date=27 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327234408/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alaska-airlines-and-aer-lingus-team-up-to-give-mileage-plan-members-more-flights-to-europe-300620551.html|url-status=live}}</ref> * [[American Airlines]] * [[British Airways]] * [[Iberia (airline)|Iberia]] * [[JetBlue]] * [[Loganair]]{{citation needed|date=January 2024}} * [[Qatar Airways]]<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.qatarairways.com/press-releases/en-WW/235664-qatar-airways-and-aer-lingus-launch-new-codeshare-partnership|title=Qatar Airways and Aer Lingus launch new codeshare partnership|access-date=13 March 2024|publisher=Qatar Airways}}</ref> * [[TUI Airways]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=TUI Airline Partners |url=https://www.tui.co.uk/flight/airline-partners |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=TUI.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> * [[Vueling]] {{div col end}} == Fleet == === Current fleet === {{Multiple image | align = | direction = vertical | total_width = 220 | image1 = EI-DVL.jpg | caption1 = Aer Lingus [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320-200]] | image2 = Aer Lingus EI-NSB Airbus A320-251N (neo) London Heathrow Airport (LHR EGLL) (52677893908).jpg | caption2 = Aer Lingus [[Airbus A320neo family|Airbus A320neo]] | image3 = Aer Lingus Airbus A321-253NX EI-LRC arriving at JFK Airport.jpg | caption3 = Aer Lingus [[Airbus A321neo|Airbus A321LR]] | image4 = Aer Lingus Airbus A330-302 EI-EDY approaching EWR Airport.jpg | caption4 = Aer Lingus [[Airbus A330|Airbus A330-300]] }} {{As of|2025|5}}, Aer Lingus operates an all-[[Airbus]] fleet composed of the following aircraft:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iaa.ie/commercial-aviation/aircraft-registration-2/latest-register-and-monthly-changes-1 |title=Latest Register and Monthly Changes |date=31 August 2019 |publisher=Irish Aviation Authority |access-date=6 September 2019 |archive-date=22 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222095904/https://www.iaa.ie/commercial-aviation/aircraft-registration-2/latest-register-and-monthly-changes-1 |url-status=live }}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="border-collapse:collapse; margin: 1em auto; text-align:center" |+ '''Aer Lingus fleet''' |- !rowspan="2"|Aircraft !rowspan="2"|In service !rowspan="2"|Orders !colspan="3"|Passengers<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aerlingus.com/media/pdfs/aerlingus_seat_maps.pdf|title=Seat Maps|access-date=15 June 2019|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007125309/https://www.aerlingus.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> !rowspan="2"|Notes |- !<abbr title="Business Class (Long Haul)/AerSpace (Europe)">C</abbr> !<abbr title="Economy Class">Y</abbr> !Total |- |[[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320-200]] |27 |— |— |174 |174 | |- |[[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320neo]] |7 |1 |— |186 |186 | |- |[[Airbus A321neo#A321LR|Airbus A321LR]] |8 |— |16 |168 |184 | |- |[[Airbus A321neo#A321XLR|Airbus A321XLR]] |3 |3<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> |16 |168 |184<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-10 |title=Aer Lingus takes delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-12-aer-lingus-takes-delivery-of-its-first-airbus-a321xlr-aircraft |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=Airbus.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> |Deliveries started in December 2024.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Ostrower |first=Jon |date=2023-12-22 |title=Aer Lingus tipped as first A321XLR operator in 2024 |url=https://theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatches/aer-lingus-tipped-as-first-a321xlr-operator-in-2024/ |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=The Air Current |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | rowspan="3" |[[Airbus A330|Airbus A330-200]] | rowspan="3" |3 | rowspan="3" |— | rowspan="3" |23 |243<!--EI-DAA CONFIG.--> |266 | rowspan="3" | |- |248 <!--EI-DUO CONFIG.--> |271 |- |258 <!--EI-GEY CONFIG.--> |281 |- |rowspan="2"|[[Airbus A330|Airbus A330-300]] |rowspan="2"|10 |rowspan="2"|— |rowspan="2"|30 |283<!--EI-EIM/EIN/GAJ/GCF CONFIG.--> |313 |rowspan="2"| |- |287 <!--EI-DUZ/EAV/EIK/EIL/FNG/FNH CONFIG.--> |317 |- |[[Airbus A330-900]] |— |21<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=IAG places order for Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A330-900neo aircraft |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2025/05/09/iag-places-order-for-boeing-787-10-and-airbus-a330-900neo-aircraft/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Business Traveller |language=en-GB}}</ref> |colspan=3|<abbr title="To be announced">TBA</abbr> |21 Airbus A330-900neos will be delivered to either [[Iberia (airline)|Iberia]], [[Level (airline)|LEVEL]], or Aer Lingus, with allocation to be determined at a later stage.<ref name=":6" /> |- !Total !58 !25 ! colspan="4" | |} Aer Lingus aircraft are named after Christian saints from Ireland.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus' aircraft will continue to be named after saints - chief executive |url=https://www.independent.ie/business/aer-lingus-aircraft-will-continue-to-be-named-after-saints-chief-executive-35217998.html |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=Irish Independent |date=15 November 2016 |language=en}}</ref> ===Fleet development=== In January 2017, Aer Lingus announced its intention to finalise an order for eight [[Airbus A320neo|A321LR]] twinjets to develop thinner transatlantic routes which cannot be operated profitably and fuel efficiently using A330s. As of November 2018, the airline has orders for 14 A321LRs.<ref name="A321LR">{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aer-lingus-signals-more-a330s-and-studies-a321xlr-453271/|title=Aer Lingus signals 4 additional a330s, A330 Platform will transition to -300 variant|date=2 November 2018|publisher=Flight Global|access-date=16 May 2019|archive-date=3 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103115051/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aer-lingus-signals-more-a330s-and-studies-a321xlr-453271/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the 2019 [[Paris Air Show]], IAG agreed to purchase 14 [[Airbus A320neo family|Airbus A321XLR]] aircraft, eight for delivery to [[Iberia (airline)|Iberia]] and six to Aer Lingus, with options for a further 14 of the aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 July 2019 |title=A321XLR STEALS PARIS SHOW |url=https://www.key.aero/article/a321xlr-steals-paris-show |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=key.aero}}</ref> The first aircraft will be delivered in 2025. In April 2020, Aer Lingus terminated their contract with the Irish airline [[CityJet]] which operated two [[Avro RJ|BAE Avro RJ85]]'s on behalf of the airline. The aircraft were primarily used for the [[Dublin Airport|Dublin]] to [[London City Airport|London-City]] route.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} In May 2025, [[International Airlines Group|IAG]] announces had place 71 aircraft order, [[British Airways]] will acquire 32 [[Boeing 787-10|Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners]], 6 [[Boeing 777X|Boeing 777-9s]] and 6 Airbus [[Airbus A350|A350-1000s]]. Iberia is set to take delivery of 6 Airbus [[Airbus A350-900|A350-900s]], an additional 21 [[Airbus A330-900neo|Airbus A330-900neos]] will be delivered to either Iberia or [[Aer Lingus]], with allocation to be determined at a later stage. The aircraft will arrive between 2027 and 2033. === Historical fleet === [[File:BAC 111-208AL One-Eleven, Aer Lingus AN1108412.jpg|thumb|right|An Aer Lingus [[BAC One-Eleven]] in 1982]] [[File:Aer Lingus Boeing 747-100 Rose-2.jpg|thumbnail|An Aer Lingus Boeing 747-100 in 1980]] [[File:Aer Lingus (EI-CDA), Dublin, June 1993.jpg|thumb|Aer Lingus [[Boeing 737]]s in 1993|219x219px]] {| class="wikitable" style="border-collapse:collapse; margin: 1em auto; text-align:center" |+ '''Aer Lingus historical fleet''' |- !Aircraft !Introduced !Retired !Notes |- !colspan="4"|Transatlantic fleet |- |[[Boeing 707|Boeing 707-320]] |1964 |1986 | |- |[[Boeing 720]] |1961 |1972 | Three operated<ref>{{cite web |title=EI-ALC Boeing 720 Aer Lingus |url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/388593/EI-ALC |website=airhistory.net |access-date=26 February 2025}}</ref> |- |[[Boeing 747|Boeing 747-100]] |1970 |1995 | |- |[[Boeing 757|Boeing 757-200]] |2014 |2020 |Leased From [[ASL Airlines Ireland]] |- |[[Boeing 767|Boeing 767-200ER]] |2016 |2016 |Leased from [[Omni Air International]] |- |[[Boeing 767|Boeing 767-300ER]] |1991 |1994 | |- |[[Douglas DC-8|Douglas DC-8-63F]] |1990 |1990 |Leased from [[Arrow Air]] |- |[[Douglas DC-8|Douglas DC-8-73PF]] |1990 |1990 |Leased from [[Aer Turas]] |- |[[Lockheed L-749 Constellation]] |1948 |{{Unknown}} | |- |[[Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation]] |1958 |1960 | |- |[[Lockheed L-1011 TriStar]] |1989 |1997 |Leased from [[American Trans Air]], [[Caledonian Airways]] |- |rowspan="2"|[[McDonnell Douglas MD-11]] |1998 |1998 |rowspan="2"|Leased from [[World Airways]] |- |2001 |2001 |- !colspan="4"|European and commuter fleet |- |[[Airbus A319-100]] |2011 |2016 | |- |[[Airbus A321-200]] |1998 |2022 | |- |[[Airspeed Consul]] |1948 |1950 | |- |[[ATR 42-600]] |2003 |2020 | |- |[[Aviation Traders Carvair]] |1963 |1968 | |- |[[BAC One-Eleven]] |1965 |1990 |Four operated<ref>{{cite book |last1=Swanborough |first1=Gordon |title=World's Airliner Registrations |date=1967 |publisher=Ian Allan |location=London |pages=5–6}}</ref> |- |[[British Aerospace 146|British Aerospace BAe 146-300]] |1995 |2006 | |- |[[Boeing 737|Boeing 737-200]] |1969 |1992 |Leased from [[All Nippon Airways]] |- |[[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-300]] |1987 |1993 | |- |[[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-400]] |1989 |2005 | |- |[[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-500]] |1990 |2005 | |- |[[Bristol 170 Freighter]] |1952 |{{Unknown}} | |- |[[de Havilland Dragon|de Havilland DH.84 Dragon]] |1936 |1938 | |- |[[de Havilland Express|de Havilland DH.86 Express]] |1936 |1946 | |- |[[de Havilland Dragon Rapide|de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide]] |1938 |1940 | |- |[[Douglas DC-3]] |1940 |1964 | |- |[[Fokker F27 Friendship|Fokker F27]] |1958 |1966 |Launch Operator |- |[[Fokker 50]] |1989 |2001 | |- |[[Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra|Lockheed Super Electra]] |1939 |1940 | |- |[[Saab 340B]] |1991 |1995 | |- |[[Short 330]] |1983 |{{Unknown}} | |- |[[Short 360]] |1984 |1991 | |- |[[Vickers VC.1 Viking|Vickers Viking]] |1947 |{{Unknown}} | |- |[[Vickers Viscount|Vickers Viscount 700]] |1954 |1960 |Four operated<ref name=VC2>{{cite web |title=Aer Lingus - Irish International Airlines |url=http://www.vickersviscount.net/Pages_Listings/Listings_Owner.aspx |website=VickersViscount.net |access-date=26 February 2025}}</ref> |- |[[Vickers Viscount|Vickers Viscount 800]] |1957 |1970 | Sixteen: seven new/nearly new, plus nine ex [[KLM]] purchased 1966. Most examples retired 1969, with final service on 31 October 1970.<ref name=VC2/><ref>{{cite web |title=EI-ALG with 7 other Viscounts, wfu |url=https://www.airliners.net/photo/Aer-Lingus-Irish-International-Airlines/Vickers-805-Viscount/336301 |website=Airliners.net |access-date=26 February 2025}}</ref>Three written off as [[Aer Lingus Flight 712|EI-AOM]], [https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/332036 EI-AKK] and [https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/332091 EI-AOF] |- |} === Livery === On 17 January 2019, Aer Lingus unveiled a new brand and livery. The refreshed brand includes a new typeface, refreshed shamrock and a new colour scheme. The new livery consists of a white fuselage and teal engines and tail. All Aer Lingus aircraft were expected to receive the new livery by the end of 2021, although some aircraft with the older livery are still in service as of 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harper |first1=Lewis |title=Aer Lingus unveils new livery on A330 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-aer-lingus-unveils-new-livery-on-a330-455094/ |access-date=9 March 2019 |work=Flightglobal.com |date=17 January 2019 |archive-date=3 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203143223/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-aer-lingus-unveils-new-livery-on-a330-455094/ |url-status=live }}</ref> == Services == ===In-flight services=== From 2015 to 2016, Aer Lingus sold pre-packaged [[Tayto (Republic of Ireland)|Tayto]] sandwiches on board some of their flights.<ref>{{cite news|author=O'Connor, Amy|date=17 February 2016|title=You can get Northern Irish Tayto sandwiches on Aer Lingus flights from Belfast|newspaper=[[The Daily Edge]]|url=http://www.dailyedge.ie/aer-lingus-tayto-sandwiches-2609208-Feb2016/|access-date=24 September 2016|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715062932/https://www.dailyedge.ie/aer-lingus-tayto-sandwiches-2609208-Feb2016/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Loftus, Valerie|date=18 February 2016|title=Terrible news – Aer Lingus has stopped selling Tayto sandwiches on board|newspaper=[[The Daily Edge]]|url=http://www.dailyedge.ie/tayto-sandwiches-aer-lingus-2610864-Feb2016/|access-date=24 September 2016|archive-date=24 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924190707/http://www.dailyedge.ie/tayto-sandwiches-aer-lingus-2610864-Feb2016/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, the company announced that it would offer a complimentary glass of wine or beer on transatlantic flights.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Beresford|first=Jack|title=Aer Lingus will offer free alcohol on flights from 2019|url=https://www.irishpost.com/news/aer-lingus-free-alcohol-on-flights-160207|access-date=2020-06-26|website=The Irish Post|archive-date=28 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928123425/https://www.irishpost.com/news/aer-lingus-free-alcohol-on-flights-160207|url-status=live}}</ref> That year the company also announced plans to offer free wifi to Smart Fare transatlantic economy customers.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Caswell|first=Mark|date=25 September 2018|title=Aer Lingus to offer free wifi on transatlantic routes|url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/09/25/aer-lingus-to-offer-free-wifi-on-transatlantic-routes/|access-date=2020-06-26|website=Business Traveller|language=en-GB|archive-date=25 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925104041/https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/09/25/aer-lingus-to-offer-free-wifi-on-transatlantic-routes/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, Aer Lingus introduced AerSpace, its premium economy class.<ref>{{cite web|last=Conghaiole|first=Pól Ó|date=7 May 2019|title=Aer Lingus launches first ever premium economy class|url=https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/welcome-to-aerspace-aer-lingus-launches-first-ever-premium-economy-class-38087830.html|access-date=11 May 2019|archive-date=7 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507140649/https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/welcome-to-aerspace-aer-lingus-launches-first-ever-premium-economy-class-38087830.html|url-status=live}}</ref> === Frequent-flyer programme === AerClub is Aer Lingus' frequent-flyer programme. It launched in November 2016, taking over from the airline's previous programme, Gold Circle. AerClub consists of four tiers: the entry-level Green, Silver, Platinum, and Concierge.<ref>[https://www.aerlingus.com/aerclub/ Various Aerlub rewards depending on membership level] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220185929/https://www.aerlingus.com/aerclub/ |date=20 December 2016 }} Retrieved 8 December 2016.</ref> The club uses [[International Airlines Group|Avios]] points as its member currency. == Accidents and incidents == [[File:Memorial to the Aer Lingus crash of January 1952 - 1784244.jpg|thumb|A memorial at the site of the January 1952 crash.]] Aer Lingus has a good{{clarification needed|date=February 2024}} safety record, with no crash fatalities in over 55 years.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} It has had 12 incidents, including six accidents which left aircraft written-off (of which three were fatal) and one hijacking. *On 10 January 1952, a [[Douglas DC-3]] registered [[1952 Aer Lingus C-47 accident|EI-AFL]] and named "St. Kevin" was en route from [[RAF Northolt|Northolt]] to Dublin. It flew into a [[Lee wave|mountain wave]] triggered by [[Snowdon]] and an area of extreme turbulence, then crashed in a peat bog near [[Llyn Gwynant]] in [[Snowdonia]], killing all 20 passengers and 3 crew. It was the company's first fatal accident.<ref>"[http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19520110-0 10 January 1952 Douglas C-47B-35-DK Dakota 3] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625014630/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19520110-0 |date=25 June 2011 }}." ''[[Aviation Safety Network]]''. Retrieved 3 February 2009.</ref> *On 1 January 1953, a Douglas DC-3 registered EI-ACF and named "St Kieran" made a forced landing near the town of [[Spernall]], [[England]]. Both engines failed after [[Fuel starvation|running out of fuel]] while en route from [[Dublin]] to [[Birmingham]]. All of the 25 passengers and crew survived. The aircraft was later written off.<ref>"[https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19530101-0 1 January 1953 Douglas DC-3D] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712111131/https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19530101-0 |date=12 July 2020 }}." ''[[Aviation Safety Network]]''. Retrieved 16 June 2017.</ref> *On 22 June 1967, a [[Vickers Viscount]] registered EI-AOF on a pilot-training flight stalled and spun into the ground near [[Ashbourne, County Meath|Ashbourne]], killing all three crew.<ref>"[http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19670622-1 22 June 1967 Vickers 803 Viscount] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011224241/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19670622-1 |date=11 October 2012 }}." ''Aviation Safety Network''. Retrieved 3 February 2009.</ref> *On 21 September 1967, a [[Vickers Viscount]] registered EI-AKK flying from Dublin to [[Bristol Airport|Bristol]] encountered problems whilst landing, damaging its wingtip and no.4 propeller on the runway. A [[go-around]] was attempted, but rapidly aborted; the aircraft then [[Belly landing|belly-landing]] and sliding beyond the end of the runway. All 21 of the passengers and crew survived, but the aircraft was written off.<ref>"[http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19670921-0 21 September 1967 Vickers 808 Viscount] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011224143/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19670921-0 |date=11 October 2012 }}." ''Aviation Safety Network''. Retrieved 26 February 2025.</ref> *On 24 March 1968, [[Aer Lingus Flight 712]], a flight from [[Cork (city)|Cork]] to London operated by a [[Vickers Viscount]] registered EI-AOM, crashed into the sea off the southeast coast of Ireland near [[Tuskar Rock, Ireland|Tuskar Rock]]. All 57 passengers and four crew perished. The crash is generally known as the Tuskar Rock Air Disaster in Ireland.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} Part of the aircraft's elevator spring tab was found some distance from the rest of the wreckage, suggesting that it had become detached at an earlier stage. However, the original accident report published in 1970, reached no definitive conclusion about the cause of the crash but did not exclude the possibility that another aircraft or airborne object was involved. Following persistent rumours that the aircraft's demise was linked with nearby British military exercises, a review of the case files by the [[Air Accident Investigation Unit]] took place in 1998. This review identified several maintenance and record-keeping failures and concluded that the original report failed to adequately examine alternative hypotheses not involving other aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irlgov.ie/tec/aaiu/report/ |title=Transport.ie |publisher=Irlgov.ie |access-date=4 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529221210/http://www.irlgov.ie/tec/aaiu/report/ |archive-date=29 May 2008 }}</ref> A subsequent investigation concluded that the accident followed an initial unspecified event involving the tail structure, subsequently leading to a major structural failure of the port tailplane. The exact cause was not positively identified, but was likely due to corrosion, fatigue, or possibly a birdstrike. The possibility that another aircraft was involved was ruled out.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.transport.ie/viewitem.asp?id=4106&lang=ENG&loc=1079 |title=Press Releases for 2002 |website=Transport.ie |publisher=The Department of Transport |date=25 October 2001 |access-date=4 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090812035936/http://www.transport.ie/viewitem.asp?id=4106&lang=ENG&loc=1079 |archive-date=12 August 2009 }}</ref> *On 2 May 1981, [[Aer Lingus Flight 164]] from Dublin to London was hijacked and diverted to [[Le Touquet – Côte d'Opale Airport]] in France. While authorities negotiated with the hijacker by radio in the cockpit, French special forces entered the rear of the aircraft and overpowered him. None of the passengers or crew were injured during the hijacking. The official record shows the reason as ''One hijacker demanded to be taken to Iran. Plane stormed/hijacker arrested. Duration of the hijacking: less than one day.''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19810502-1|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 737-200 registration unknown Le Touquet Airport (LTQ)|author=Harro Ranter|date=2 May 1981|access-date=24 April 2015|archive-date=21 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321132730/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19810502-1|url-status=live}}</ref> while various media reports indicated that the man, Laurence Downey (a former [[Trappists|Trappist]] monk), demanded that the [[Pope]] release the [[Secret of Fatima#Third secret|third secret of Fátima]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1483520/Sister-Lucia-De-Jesus-Dos-Santos.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1483520/Sister-Lucia-De-Jesus-Dos-Santos.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Sister Lucia De Jesus Dos Santos|date=15 February 2005|work=Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=24 April 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/tv/scannal/aerlingushijack.html|title=RTÉ Television – Scannal – Scannal – Aer Lingus Hijack| website=[[RTÉ.ie]] |date=3 February 2010|access-date=24 April 2015|archive-date=5 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605184007/http://www.rte.ie/tv/scannal/aerlingushijack.html|url-status=live}}</ref> *On 31 January 1986, Aer Lingus Flight 328, a [[Short 360]] registration EI-BEM on a flight from [[Dublin]] to [[East Midlands Airport]], struck power lines and crashed short of the runway. There were no fatalities but two passengers were injured in the accident.<ref name="aviation-safety.net">[http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19860131-1 Aviation Safety Network Short 360 EI-BEM accident synopsis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806022116/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19860131-1 |date=6 August 2011 }} Retrieved 22 May 2010.</ref> *On 9 June 2005, [[2005 Logan Airport runway incursion|Aer Lingus Flight 132]], an Airbus A330 registration EI-ORD, [[Runway incursion|nearly collided]] with US Airways Flight 1170 at [[Logan International Airport]] in [[Boston]], after both flights were given nearly simultaneous clearances for takeoff on intersecting runways. The US Airways flight kept its nose down on the runway for an extended amount of time to go underneath the Aer Lingus flight and avoided a collision. There were no fatalities. *On 6 October 2016, Aer Lingus Flight 121, an [[Airbus A330]]-202 registration EI-DUO suffered a fire when equipment being used to unload the aircraft at the aft right hand cargo door caught fire at [[Orlando International Airport]], Injuring two ground handlers <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Incident Airbus A330-202 EI-DUO, Thursday 6 October 2016 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/190610 |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aer Lingus plane grounded after fire at Orlando airport |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/us/aer-lingus-plane-grounded-after-fire-at-orlando-airport-1.2820720 |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> *On 22 December 2024, an Aer Lingus ATR 72 (operated by [[Emerald Airlines]]) flight code EA701P, suffered a nose wheel collapse on landing at Belfast City Airport.<ref name="22 December 2024, Belfast City Airport: Pictures capture moment plane's nose wheel collapses on impact with runway">{{cite web | url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-city-airport-pictures-captures-30643386 | title=Pictures of heart-stopping moment plane's wheel collapses on landing | date=22 December 2024 }}</ref> As the flight was a positioning flight, no passengers were onboard and no injuries or casualties were reported. It was reported that there were severe winds in the vicinity at the time. == See also == *[[Transport in Ireland]] *[[Aer Lingus UK]] == Notes == {{Notelist}} == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == * {{Official website|https://www.aerlingus.com}} {{Subject bar|portal1=Aviation|portal2=Ireland|portal3=Companies|auto=yes|commons=Category:Aer_Lingus|voy=yes|d=Q83716|n=yes|commonscat=Category:Aer_Lingus}}{{Airlines of the Republic of Ireland}} {{Navboxes |list = {{International Airlines Group}} {{IATA members|europe}} {{Association of European Airlines}} {{Oneworld}} }} {{authority control}} [[Category:Aer Lingus| ]] [[Category:Airlines of the Republic of Ireland]] [[Category:Airlines established in 1936]] [[Category:Companies formerly listed on Euronext Dublin]] [[Category:Companies based in Swords, Dublin]] [[Category:Irish brands]] [[Category:Former state-sponsored bodies of the Republic of Ireland]] [[Category:Former Oneworld members]] [[Category:Proposed Oneworld members]] [[Category:1936 establishments in Ireland]] [[Category:International Airlines Group]] [[Category:Dublin Airport]] [[Category:2015 mergers and acquisitions]]
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