New operator for Belfast to Manchester air link

Ireland’s newest airline will commence flights between Belfast City Airport and Manchester later this month.

Emerald Airlines is the exclusive operator of Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus Regional and codeshares with both Aer Lingus and British Airways, meaning passengers can book through them, and also earn and burn Avios and Tier points as part of British Airways’ Executive Club and Aer Lingus’ AerClub programmes.

Emerald will operate a three times daily service between the two airports from March 27, using an ATR72-600, the latest generation of turboprop aircraft.

The route had been operated on behalf of Aer Lingus Regional by Carlisle-based Stobart Air, which collapsed in June last year. It blamed the pandemic, which it said “has virtually halted air travel”.

Conor McCarthy, CEO of Emerald Airlines said: “We want to be the airline of choice for customers travelling to and from Belfast City Airport, and with today’s announcement we are well positioned to deliver on that objective. We’re keen to build upon our announcement today, with more flights, destinations, and great fares to follow in the very near future.”

Reid Moody, chief strategy and planning officer at Aer Lingus, said: “Today marks another important day for Aer Lingus Regional services – it is good news for customers and good news for connectivity to/from Northern Ireland. Aer Lingus is looking forward to working with our partners at Emerald Airlines on future Aer Lingus Regional operations.”

Matthew Hall, chief executive at George Best Belfast City Airport, said: “This is excellent news for Northern Ireland and comes at a time when we are seeing an increasing demand for travel as we return to life without COVID restrictions.

“The Aer Lingus Regional product is one with which our customers are familiar, and we’re thrilled that flights are bookable through both Aer Lingus and British Airways for added convenience.”

And Karen Smart, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: “Connectivity between Manchester and Belfast is vital for the tourism industry in both cities, for those with friends and family members on the other side of the Irish Sea, and also unlocks our wider route network across four continents within one stop for travellers in Northern Ireland.”

Fares for the new service start at £36.99 each way, as part of a return trip.