The joint venture between Aer Arann and Aer Lingus is intended to connect UK passengers with transatlantic flights out of the Irish capital.

Three return flights, operating six days a week, as well as two return flights on Saturdays, will run between Dublin and Bristol. Bristol currently has no direct services to the United States and the new service will link into Aer Lingus routes to New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando.

The Dublin to Aberdeen service will operate every day except Saturday.

The airlines believe the link will promote business ties with Scotland's oil region, as well as boosting tourism, while also connecting Aberdeen to transatlantic flights from Dublin.

Both routes will be operated under franchise by Aer Arann for Aer Lingus Regional from March 27.

Aer Arann chief executive Paul Schutz said the purchase of a sixth ATR 72 aircraft for the Aer Lingus Regional fleet in March will allow for the new services.

"These new routes will extend the successful co-operation between our two airlines and will benefit both business and tourism by stimulating the point-to-point market with excellent business timings and leisure options and by providing through-booking connections to the United States from the UK regions," he said.