Aer Lingus announces transatlantic suspensions
Following a detailed review of route profitability Aer Lingus has announced changes to its Shannon transatlantic schedule for early 2011.
Flights from Shannon to New York and Boston will be suspended for an 11 week period from 5th January to 27th March 2011. This suspension affects four flights per week between Shannon and New York and a further four flights per week between Shannon and Boston. However, we will continue to operate these services for the remaining 9 months of the year.
Both these routes have incurred significant losses during the winter months in 14 of the past 15 years. Since 1995 Aer Lingus has lost a total of €163 million on its transatlantic flights from Shannon during the winter months with an average operating loss per winter season of almost €11 million. In addition, the airline has sustained declining load factors on these routes for a number of years.
Christoph Mueller, Chief Executive said: “Aer Lingus is committed to the Shannon market as an important part of our network. However, in order to maintain the viability of our Shannon transatlantic operations throughout the remainder the year, the 3 month suspension of these routes when seasonal demand is at its lowest is crucial.
“We recently launched four new routes from Shannon to the UK, under our Aer Lingus Regional franchise with Aer Arann. Furthermore, extra capacity will be deployed at Shannon for winter 2010 with a larger A321 aircraft to service the Shannon Heathrow route.”
Aer Lingus will make every effort to re-accommodate customers affected by the Shannon transatlantic schedule changes on alternative flights. Those customers that elect not to travel will be offered a full refund.