Aer Lingus to create 200 jobs with launch of new routes to US

More than 200 jobs are to be created with the launch of three new Aer Lingus routes to the US, the carrier has announced.

Direct transatlantic flights will operate from Ireland to Los Angeles, Newark and Hartford in Connecticut from next year.

Five flights a week will run between Dublin and LA, with daily flights on the other two routes.

The expansion is the first major announcement from the carrier since it was taken over by British Airways owner International Airlines Group (IAG).

Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said Ireland’s geographic location and US immigration pre-clearance provides a “natural gateway” to build business between Europe and North America.

“This is the first step in our plans to add North American destinations, bring new aircraft into the fleet, increase passenger numbers and create new jobs,” he said.

“This shows also our keenness to develop Dublin as another key hub within the group.”