MICHAEL PHELAN / SOUTHAMPTON
Aer Arann Express launched services from Cork to Southampton via Bristol last week using a 66-seat ATR 72, following the inauguration of Cork-Birmingham services last month. The Dublin-based airline has ambitious expansion plans for its new international network.
It operates four ATR 42s alongside its two ATR 72s. "Next year, I foresee the potential to grow to nine ATRs, adding new Cork to UK routes, and linking Cork with northern France," says managing director Padraig O'Ceidigh.
Focusing on Cork to UK routes, outside Aer Lingus's and Ryanair's mainly Dublin-based services, Aer Arann Express's transition to international operations has been accelerated by the loss of two of its five subsidised public service obligation contracts to western Ireland.
The contract for the Dublin to Sligo and Dublin to Donegal routes will be transferred to Euroceltic Airways on 22 July.
Meanwhile, Euroceltic, which has its operating base in London Luton, is flying a leased Fokker 50 on its Waterford to Luton route. To revive its Waterford to Liverpool route, four ex-Aer Lingus Fokker 50s have been acquired to supplement its two Fokker F27s.
Euroceltic chairman Noel Hanley says that the airline is examining further Fokker 50 acquisitions and expansion next year into France and the UK.
Source: Flight International
