Aer Lingus Regional increases its winter flights out of Cork by 10%

Aer Lingus Regional, which is operated by Aer Arann, is to increase its flights by 10% out of Cork this winter with additional flights to Birmingham and Manchester.

The airline will operate up to three return flights daily and this will allow business passengers complete a day return between Cork and what are two of Britain’s largest regional hubs.

Leisure passengers also have more options with increased weekend flights improving connectivity between the cities and the airline expects to carry an extra 12,500 passengers on these routes as a result.

Aer Lingus Regional said it will also continue its busy flights from Cork to Edinburgh, Bristol and Glasgow.

The airline recently announced measures to grow the airline as part of its ‘new beginning’ strategy which aims to return the company to profitability in 2014.

These measures included the expansion of services on the airline’s network and the purchase of eight new planes which will be operating on Cork routes early next year.

Aer Arann’s chief commercial officer, Simon Fagan, said that Cork is a key part of the airline’s growth plan and this is reflected in the announcement that the airline plans to increase services to and from the airport.

“The additional flights, and expansion of services, are designed to continue to grow the airline and to offer further choice and value for our Cork-based customers. Cork Airport is of strategic importance to the airline’s route network and we will be increasing flights from here further in our summer season,” Mr Fagan said.

“Aer Lingus Regional is committed to providing its customers with easy and convenient regional connectivity and we look forward to welcoming our Cork passengers on board all of our Aer Lingus Regional services this winter,” he added.

Cork Airport’s marketing manager, Kevin Cullinane, said the announcement was a further boost for Cork.

“The expansion of services from Cork Airport is a strong commitment to the region and will ensure that Cork remains well-connected and accessible for local people and businesses. Aer Lingus Regional has grown significantly over the past three years, following its new beginning strategy, and has provided a crucial service to the Irish market,” said Mr Cullinane.