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.

“Today, we operate 27 routes across Ireland, the UK and France; with over 1.2m annual passengers. Changing the corporate name is the next step in achieving our ambition to further expand our operations,” according to the airline’s interim chief executive, Sean Brogan.

“Stobart Air positions the airline to explore new opportunities and add to our franchise network, particularly in the UK and mainland Europe,” he added.

The Stobart Group currently owns 45% of Aer Arann’s parent company, Everdeal Holdings — having initially invested four years ago after the airline went into examinership — and has an option to acquire complete control, but hasn’t updated on its plans in this regard.

Speaking yesterday on the branding change — the Aer Arann name will formally change by the end of this year — Stobart Group chief executive, Andrew Tinkler, said it forms the next phase in the development of the value of the group’s aviation assets and investments. Stobart also owns London Southend Airport, Carlisle Lake District Airport and various air freight, maintenance and airport services businesses.

“The combination of the Stobart Air franchise model and London Southend Airport has performed to date, as demonstrated by Aer Lingus Regional,” Mr Tinkler added.