Aer Lingus and Aer Arann confirm new franchise deal

Aer Lingus and Aer Arann have signed off on a franchise deal between the two airlines.

Aer Arann will operate 12 routes from Dublin and Cork under the deal, including three which are new to both companies.

The services will be branded as 'Aer Lingus Regional', operated using Aer Arann aircraft and crew, and they will be sold through the Aer Lingus website.

Welcoming the new agreement Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller said: "This franchise agreement is good news for all stakeholders in Aer Lingus as it will allow us to serve key regional destinations, linking them with our Dublin transatlantic network as well as offering our business and leisure customers improved schedule and frequency options."

Aer Arann chief executive Paul Schütz also welcomed the agreement calling it an "a major development for Irish aviation and the tourism industry.

"The combined strengths of both airlines, including brand power and market presence, will allow us to offer a quality customer product that meets the capacity requirements of existing and new routes."