Aer Lingus has launched its first direct flight from the UK to the USA as the airline expands its transatlantic operation.
The Irish flag carrier took off from Manchester Airport to New York JFK and it is also gearing up to prepare for the inaugural service to Orlando in Florida on December 11.
The two new routes are part of the airline’s ambitious schedule plans for 2022.
Reid Moody, Aer Lingus chief strategy and planning officer, said: “Today marks a very important day for Aer Lingus, as we launch our first flights from the UK to the United States as we recover and expand our transatlantic network.
“Our New York and Orlando routes follow the launch of our new direct flights to Barbados on October 20, which will run until April 2022, before returning the following winter.”
Karen Smart, Manchester Airport managing director added: “It’s incredibly pleasing to see Aer Lingus launch its New York service, which will give passengers more choice when looking to travel to what is one of our most popular destinations.
“The fact Aer Lingus has chosen Manchester Airport as its first UK base for transatlantic flights is a great boost for the region, creating hundreds of jobs in the process.
“Aer Lingus’s transatlantic routes will no doubt be hugely popular with the 22 million people that live in our catchment area, especially now the US has opened up to British travellers. I look forward to working closely with Aer Lingus as they grow from Manchester Airport.”
Passengers flying Aer Lingus to JFK will experience the new Airbus A321LR single aisle aircraft from December 3. The new state-of-the-art aircraft promises a more sustainable travel experience, boasting greater fuel-efficiency.
Offering both a Business Class cabin with 16 fully lie-flat seats, fine dining and complimentary wi-fi, and an Economy Class cabin with complimentary meal and snack and soft drink in-flight, and top inflight entertainment, including the latest movie releases, TV boxsets, games and music.
Flights to New York depart daily at 12:35pm and arrive into New York’s iconic JFK airport at 4:15pm local time. Fares start from £179 each way in economy class and from £1,550 each way in business class.
Holidaymakers wanting to visit the ‘Sunshine State’ of Florida, can choose from four weekly flights from Manchester to Orlando, with fares starting from £209 each way departing each day at 11am every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
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