Aer Lingus has confirmed that it will operate its forthcoming A321LR aircraft on both transatlantic and European routes, a move which will see fully flat business class seating offered on selected short-haul routes.
The airline will take delivery of the first of 14 A321LRs next year, featuring 16 business class seats – full details of which have yet to be announced.
As first reported by The Irish Times, the aircraft will be used on selected routes from Dublin to other European routes, providing consistent service for business class customers arriving from North America.
The IAG member carrier has provided Business Traveller with the following statement:
“The introduction of the Airbus A321neos to the Aer Lingus fleet will not just open up opportunities to grow our long haul network but will also enable us to enhance our guest offering,” said Ruth Ranson, Aer Lingus Director of Communications.
“The long range A321 aircraft will have the capacity to fly from North America to Dublin and onwards to Europe.
“In keeping with our existing transatlantic offering it will comprise two cabins – one with economy seating and one with business seating – which presents the opportunity to enhance the guest offering on the Dublin to Europe leg in the form of our lie flat seating. The service is due to commence in 2019 and further details will be announced when possible.”
Aer Lingus is set to unveils a refreshed brand identity in January, which CEO Stephen Kavanagh said would “reflect the airline’s modern outlook and ambition to be the leading value carrier across the North Atlantic”.
