Aer Arann changes name to Stobart Air as it seeks deals with other airlines

Aer Arann is to change its name to Stobart Air and focus on adding more franchise partnerships with major European airlines as part of a reinvention strategy for the company.

The Dublin-headquartered airline — in which international transport business, Stobart Group, which also owns London Southend Airport, is majority shareholder — already operates Aer Lingus’ regional service from Dublin, Cork and Shannon to UK destinations.

Plans to agree similar deals with other European airlines is a priority of its expansion programme, with it hoping to double its passenger numbers within the next five years.