Aer Lingus will begin a review of its long-haul fleet from October that could see the airline double its widebody fleet over the next five years. Last week the Irish carrier completed its short-haul review with a decision to acquire up to 27 Airbus A320s and phase out its six BAe 146s and 11 Boeing 737-400/500s. The airline placed a firm order for 17 CFM International CFM56-powered A320s, 10 of which will be leased from International Lease Finance, and added 10 options. Aer Lingus already operates four CFM56-powered A320s and six A321s.
The carrier also plans to double its transatlantic capacity to two million passengers, and hopes to add to its three long-haul Airbus A330-200s and four A330-300s.
Source: Flight International
