Aer Lingus, part of the International Airlines
Group along with British Airways, is to launch direct services from Manchester
to New York JFK, Boston, Orlando and Barbados.
The
JFK service will be operated with a single-aisle Airbus A321LR and will
start on 29 July. The Boston service will use the same aircraft type and start in
summer 2022. An
Airbus A330-300 will be used on the Orlando and Barbados routes which will start
on 29 July and 20 October respectively.
Fares on the new services will start at £199 one way.
David
Shepherd, Aer Lingus' chief commercial officer, said: “Aer Lingus has
been flying to North America for more than 60 years and we also have a proud
history with Manchester Airport.
“Our
operation of the new and innovative Airbus A321LR aircraft marks a further
milestone as Aer Lingus will be one of the first carriers to fly the aircraft
between the UK and the US.”
Karen
Smart, Manchester Airport managing director, said: “These routes will be a great addition to the departure boards here at
Manchester as we look forward to restarting international travel.
“Pre-pandemic there were more than 5.5 million
passengers who crossed the Atlantic each year via Manchester and so to be able
to offer these services with a new carrier is great news. In addition, Aer
Lingus' commitment to the UK’s northern gateway results in the creation
of 120 much-needed jobs."