The first Aer Lingus transatlantic service from the UK commenced yesterday with the departure of the airline’s first non-stop direct flight from Manchester to Barbados.
Additionally, starting December 1, Aer Lingus will start operating its first non-stop direct flights from Manchester to New York’s JFK airport, just in time for the peak northern winter season. Also, the carrier will open a third new route from Manchester to Orlando on December 11.
The Irish carrier will complete two weekly flights to Barbados from Manchester every Wednesday and Saturday until the end of April, as well as an additional weekly flight every Friday from October 30.
Aer Lingus will operate the Airbus A330-300 on its services to Barbados and will be offering fares starting from £199 each way.
Lynne Embleton, CEO of Aer Lingus, said, «Everyone at Aer Lingus was extremely proud to see our first direct, non-stop flight from Manchester to Barbados take off this morning»
«Aer Lingus has a very proud history with Manchester Airport, and today marks the next stage of our exciting journey with them – our new route to Barbados, followed by the start of services to New York and Orlando later this year».
Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said, «It was incredibly satisfying to see Aer Lingus’ inaugural flight to Barbados take off from Manchester Airport this morning.»
«Not only is it great to see the airline launch this route in Manchester, offering passengers more choice and flexibility to this popular destination, but it’s also a great boost for the region that Aer Lingus has chosen us as its first UK base for transatlantic flights». she added.
«The routes across the Atlantic to Barbados and the U.S. will undoubtedly be extremely popular among the 22 million people living in our area of influence, especially with the United States opening up to British travelers next month. In addition, the routes and base here in Manchester will be welcomed by the hundreds of people who will have access to the jobs created over here. I look forward to working closely with Aer Lingus as it grows from Manchester Airport,» Smart concluded.
Honorary Senator Lisa Cummins, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism, and International Transport said: «Today, Barbados celebrates the arrival of Aer Lingus’ first Caribbean flight from Manchester to Bridgetown».
Manchester Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK and is easily accessible from all over the north of England and Scotland, whether by road, air, or rail. We will be at GAIA this afternoon to greet the flight as it arrives with the first visitors».
