LONDON – Aer Lingus has today launched its first-ever non-stop transatlantic service from Manchester with its inaugural direct service from Manchester to Bridgetown, Barbados today. The aircraft flew under the flight number Aer Lingus name and flight number as EI31, departing at 10:45 local and is due to arrive in Bridgewater at 13:56 local time, the flight is being operated by on the carriers A330-300 aircraft G-EILA which is 11 years old.
Karen Smart, Manchester Airport Managing Director, said: “It’s incredibly pleasing to see Aer Lingus’ inaugural flight to Barbados take off from Manchester Airport this morning: Not only is it great to see the airline put this route on at Manchester, giving passengers additional choice and flexibility for this popular destination, but it is also a huge boost for the region with Aer Lingus choosing us as its first UK base for transatlantic flights. The routes across the Atlantic to Barbados and the USA will no doubt be hugely popular with the 22 million people that live in our catchment area, especially with the US opening up to British travellers next month. Furthermore, the routes and base here at Manchester will be welcomed by the hundreds of people who will have access to the jobs created here. I look forward to working closely with Aer Lingus as they grow from Manchester Airport.”
Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus CEO, said: “Everyone at Aer Lingus felt great pride to see our first direct, non-stop flight from Manchester to Barbados take to the skies this morning. We know there is strong demand for direct transatlantic services from the North of England for flights to Barbados and we’re looking forward to seeing travellers and holidaymakers enjoying the welcoming Aer Lingus experience that we’re known for. Aer Lingus has a proud history with Manchester Airport, and today marks the next stage of our exciting journey with them: our new Barbados route, followed by the start of services to New York and Orlando later this year.”
Passengers were welcomed at the check-in desk with traditional Barbados music and cupcakes to mark the special occasion, with it not just being the first flight for the airline between these two destinations but also marking the beginning of the route expansion Aer Lingus UK will be conducting at manchester airport in the coming years.
