Aer Lingus marks 70 years in service

Aer Lingus is marking 70 years in service this week.

The airline is marking the milestone later today with staff, dressed in uniforms from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 90s, and Aer Lingus’ first plane.

The craft made its inaugural flight to Bristol from Dublin on May 27 1936, five days after Aer Lingus was first registered as an airline.

Minister of State for Transport, Pat Gallagher, last night told the Irish Airline Pilots Association a thriving air transport industry is essential for Ireland to ensure adequate access for tourism, business and commercial life.

“I cannot overstate the importance of aviation to the Irish economy,” he said.

“Aer Lingus has performed exceptionally well in recent years and is currently one of the best-performing airlines in Europe and I acknowledge the contribution of both management and staff in achieving this success.

“I believe that the process we are now embarking on in providing Aer Lingus with access to the capital markets will provide it with the basis to grow the company in line with its new business strategy and will result in a stronger, more competitive airline which is in the best interests of both staff and the travelling public.”

The Minister stressed his commitment to ensuring the highest standards of aviation security at our airports.

“While security measures can be inconvenient for passengers and for aviation staff I believe everyone accepts that they are vital in order to protect the aviation industry and the travelling public from acts of terrorism,” he said.

“The recent bomb hoaxes on two Irish aircraft, which must have been very distressing for the passengers and crew, serve to remind us that we cannot relax and we must remain vigilant. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the professional manner in which the incidents were dealt with by the aircrew involved.”