Aer Lingus, the Irish airline that is part of IAG, has announced another two new destinations in North America for summer 2019.
The airline says it will operate direct services from Dublin to Minneapolis-St. Paul and Montreal, Canada, starting in July and August next year.
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota joins Montreal as the 14th and 15th North American destinations to Aer Lingus’ expanding transatlantic network.
The summer flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul will commence in July 2019 and will operate with daily direct service from Dublin, Ireland on Boeing 757 aircraft. Winter service will operate four times per week.
In August, Aer Lingus will launch flights to Montreal’s Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport with daily direct service from Dublin. The service will be reduced to four times a week during the winter period. The service is scheduled to be flown by Airbus A321 neo long-range aircraft.
Since joining IAG in 2015, Aer Lingus has launched eight new direct transatlantic services between Dublin and Los Angeles, Newark, Hartford, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle and now Montreal and Minneapolis-St. Paul, marking the largest ever transatlantic expansion in the airline’s history.
Aer Lingus continues to drive its strategy of expanding the airline’s Dublin Airport base into a major European transatlantic gateway, as illustrated by the same terminal connections to destinations across Europe.
Stephen Kavanagh, Aer Lingus CEO said, “We are pleased to announce two new transatlantic routes from our Dublin Hub with daily direct service to Montreal and Minneapolis-St Paul commencing in summer 2019. These destinations each have a rich heritage, vibrant culture and much to offer visitors travelling for business or leisure. Aer Lingus continues to deliver on its ambition to be the leading value carrier across the North Atlantic, adding new routes and travel options between Ireland, Europe, the USA and Canada, bringing increased connectivity, growing Irish employment and supporting international trade and economic growth.”
Brian Ryks, Executive Director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport commented: “Minneapolis-St. Paul and Dublin are both important centres for commerce and culture, with vibrant arts and entertainment offerings. I am very pleased that Aer Lingus will provide a direct connection between the cities, creating opportunities to strengthen economic and cultural ties on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal added: “We are tremendously proud to welcome Aer Lingus, the 37th airline to join the great Montréal-Trudeau family. The arrival of the Irish carrier on the Montréal-Dublin route starting in August 2019 will enhance the annual air service to a very popular destination for both our communities, at a competitive price. I’m sure travellers will appreciate this year-long direct connection and am confident this new collaboration will be a successful one.”
