Aer Arann hoping to join top flight of Europe

AER Arann said it plans to join Europe’s top tier of regional airlines by 2015 and expects to double passenger numbers to over two million within five years.
Operating three services from Shannon to Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham, the airline’s interim chief executive Sean Brogan also outlined some new investments, including taking delivery of eight new aircraft. The new aircraft, ATR 72-600s, will replace the older existing fleet of ATR 72-200s and ATR42s. The first new plane will commence service this May with the remaining aircraft expected to come on stream over the next 11 months. The new fleet will be fully operational for the summer 2014 programme.
Aer Arann also announced it has extended its franchise agreement with Aer Lingus, which will see it operate under the Aer Lingus Regional brand until the end of 2022.
“Just over two years ago, we stared closure in the face. Now, we have the fundamentals in place to join Europe’s top tier of regional airlines. The completion of our restructuring programme represents a new beginning for the airline. Our extended franchise agreement with Aer Lingus to 2022 gives us a firm foundation for growth and the fleet renewal programme allows us to enhance the passenger offering further.”
He said Shannon is central to plans for expansion. “Shannon is of strategic importance to our current and future plans. Our routes to Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham have been very successful and are crucial links in our regional network.
“We will only continue to push forward positively in Shannon and continue to maximise the opportunities that have been secured.”