Aer Lingus deal opens up US routes
Thursday, 9 October 2008
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From next month Aer Lingus customers will be able to use American routes and networks under a new agreement with United Airlines.
Aer Lingus and the American carrier have begun a code-sharing agreement, enabling Aer Lingus customers access to United Airlines’ network in North America from November 1.
From April 2009, Aer Lingus will also place its code on United’s domestic flights, giving customers access to United's entire North American network.
The codeshare agreement will cover all six of Aer Lingus' US gateways, including New York-JFK, Boston, Orlando, Chicago-O'Hare, San Francisco, and Washington DC.
Aer Lingus customers will have access to almost 200 additional destinations in the US through United's hubs in Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington.
United customers will also benefit from greater access to destinations in Ireland and to destinations in the UK and in Europe through Aer Lingus' extensive short-haul network.
Dermot Mannion, Aer Lingus CEO, said this new agreement will change the way Irish passengers travel to the US, while also strengthening their position in America.
“The relationship with United Airlines extends our offering to both our Irish and North American customer base, with seamless travel options and access to more than 200 destinations served by United Airlines in the US.
We believe that this agreement will strengthen and consolidate our position in the US market as we capitalise on the scale and the strength of the United Airlines network.”
Glenn Tilton, chairman, president and CEO of United Airlines said: “We are pleased to partner with Aer Lingus and provide our customers in the United States with the most direct service to Ireland on the country's national carrier.
“Our customers will now enjoy more choices and benefits during their travels to Ireland and the rest of Europe.”
The United flight code is now available on all Aer Lingus transatlantic flights to and from Ireland, and on flights between Ireland and both London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
United customers can now book connecting flights on Aer Lingus' network for travel from November 1, 2008.
“The new partnership provides customers with a seamless booking process, coordinated baggage handling, and simplified reservations, ticketing and check-in,” said Mr Tilton.
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This is wonderful news! Now I won't have to drive to Chicago anymore to catch the Aer Lingus flight to Ireland!
Posted by Phil in Michigan | 22.10.08, 00:29 GMT
I agree with Earl. After Zoom went under I was really dissappointed because it was so convenient travelling from western Canada into Belfast non-stop from Vancouver. I was always amazed by the number of passengers getting off in Belfast. Surely there is a market for the resumption of this service, come on Aer Lingus don't leave the ex-pat community stranded!!!!
Posted by Graham | 10.10.08, 07:19 GMT
I agree entirely with Des, but I would like to see Aer Lingus flying into Canada. We are basically stranded after Zoom went bust. They flew all year into Belfast. Air Canada does go into Dublin but that stops October. The charter flights into Belfast only go from May to Oct, so we have to fly into London and transfer to Belfast. Come on, Aer Lingus. Lobby the Canadian government There are lots of Irish here in Canada who visit each year.
Earl. Canada
Posted by Earl | 09.10.08, 14:08 GMT
Hi THERE ITS GREAT TO SEE AIR LINGUS INPROVING SERVICES AND ROUTES TO US AND EUROPE,
I was wondering could the same be done done here in AUSTRALIA special in my home city of Perth I have travelled a lot but I find flights are never avaiable when you need then and are very expensive for most families who want to take there kids with then.I have tried a few times to get my views across to the powers at the top.PLUS for us on the west coast we never see the speicals that they offer to the East coast of Australia. SO why not take up the change yourselves.Many thanks.
Sincerely,
Des Holden
Posted by DES Holden | 09.10.08, 11:00 GMT