Aer Lingus to commence four transatlantic routes from Manchester

This summer, Aer Lingus will launch the first Manchester-based direct transatlantic flights to the United States and the Caribbean.

From 29th July 2021, the Irish airline will begin flying to New York JFK and Orlando. Flight to Barbados will start on 20th October 2021 and flights from Manchester to Boston will commence in the summer season next year.

The new single-aisle Airbus A321LR will fly the JFK and Boston routes, making Aer Lingus the first airline to use the aircraft on normal scheduled services between the UK and the US.

The wide bodied Airbus A330-300 will be used to fly from Manchester to Orlando and Barbados.

The airline announced that both its economy and business class fares would be “very competitive,”. Fares are expected to start at £398 for a return journey.

Up to 120 jobs will be created by Aer Lingus in the north of England. Cabin crew positions will make up the majority of new roles, but there will also be openings in maintenance and engineering, as well as ground operations.

The New York JFK and Boston services will connect up to 58 onward destinations and the schedule has been designed to maximise onward access to places like Las Vegas, Nashville, Jamaica, San Jose, Bermuda, and Dallas.

“Aer Lingus has been flying to North America for more than 60 years, and we also have a proud relationship with Manchester airport,” said David Shepherd, Aer Lingus’ chief commercial officer.

“We believe our transatlantic offering is one of the best in the marketplace.”

The airline’s Book with Confidence policy allows customers to change their flights up to two hours before they are scheduled to depart with no change fees. The flexible policy has been extended until 31st December 2021.

Aer Lingus (UK) Limited will operate the flights from Manchester to the United States and Barbados. Flights from Manchester to the United States are only for travellers arriving from the United Kingdom. Flights will not be available for purchase from the United States.

“These routes will be a wonderful addition to the departure boards here at Manchester as we look forward to restarting international travel,” Karen Smart, Manchester airport managing director, said.

“This demonstration of pent-up demand is yet another reason why it is more crucial than ever that the government develops transparent, simple, and affordable plans to restart travel. We eagerly anticipate the Global Travel Taskforce’s findings in April.”

Manchester to New York Flight Details

EI045 will depart Manchester at 12:05 and land in New York JFK at 15:25. The flight distance is 3,341 miles and will take 8 hours and 20 minutes

EI044 will depart New York JFK at 17:25 and land in Manchester at 05:50 the next day. The flight distance is 3,341 miles and will take 7 hours and 25 minutes

Both flights will be operated daily aboard an Airbus A321-LR.

Manchester to Orlando Flight Details

EI035 will depart Manchester at 11:00 and land in Orlando at 15:45. The flight distance is 4,236 miles and will take 9 hours and 45 minutes.

EI034 will depart Orlando at 19:00 and land in Manchester at 08:35AM the next day. The flight distance is 4,236 miles and will take 8 hours and 35 minutes.

Both flights will be operated 4-5 times a week aboard an Airbus A330.

Manchester to Barbados Flight Details

EI031 will depart Manchester at 10:15 and land in Barbados at 14:35PM. The flight distance is 4,163 miles and will take 9 hours and 20 minutes.

EI030 will depart Barbados at 19:40 and land in Manchester at 09:20 the next day. The flight distance is 4,163 miles and will take 8 hours and 40 minutes.

Both flights will be operated 2-3 times a week aboard an Airbus A330.

OneWorld Alliance

Aer Lingus has joined the OneWorld transatlantic alliance, which means it will be able to coordinate fares and schedules with American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, and Iberia. This also means that passengers will be able to collect and redeem Avios aboard the new Manchester flights.