Irish airline passengers are set to get a boost next year when hometown airline Aer Lingus is due to embark on an ambitious brand revamp, its boss Stephen Kavanagh announced on Monday.
As part of the refurbishment, the airline will repaint its aircraft, issue a new uniform, introduce in-flight Wi-fi and upgrade meal service in the economy cabin with free alcoholic beverages! "Our current livery and uniform have been in service for close to 25 years. Our business has changed and we have to take the opportunity to modernise our brand," Mr Stephen Kavanagh is reported to have said at the Airline Passenger Experience Association expo in Boston, USA.
The programme will start in early 2019 with the introduction of Panasonic Avionics in-flight Internet access on all flights, which will have the initial 20Mb of data free, thereafter charges will be applicable on a sliding scale. Also during the first part of next year, the airline plans to bring back free alcoholic drinks for economy passengers.
The rebranding and repainting of older aircraft will occur as the IAG carrier moves ahead with its fleet renewal plans as the long-range Airbus A321LRs start to arrive. "The range capability of this aircraft is uniquely suited to Air Lingus, with much of the market opportunity in North America capable of being served," Stephen Kavanagh said.
It is also understood that the airline will also work hard on enhancing and strengthening its AerClub frequent flyer loyalty programme, which suffers from a negative reputation from years of poor service.
Recently the airline announced that it would be working with CityJet on the popular Dublin - London City route.
The new transatlantic options are also on the horizon for the Irish airline after it revealed it will operate direct services from Dublin to Minneapolis-St. Paul and Montreal, Canada, starting in July and August next year.
