With its nonstop route from Manchester to Barbados, Aer Lingus has established its first transatlantic service from the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, on December 1, the airline will begin flying nonstop from Manchester to New York JFK for the first time.
On December 11, Aer Lingus will launch a third new service from Manchester to Orlando.
Passengers were treated to a live performance by local Barbadian steel band Band One to kick off the celebrations for the new Manchester-Barbados line in true Barbadian flair.
Until the end of April, the route is flown twice-weekly (on Wednesdays and Saturdays), with an additional weekly trip on Fridays beginning on October 30.
“Everyone at Aer Lingus felt great pride to see our first direct, non-stop flight from Manchester to Barbados take to the skies,” said Lynne Embleton, CEO Aer Lingus. “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 travelers 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.”
Karen Smart, Managing Director, Manchester Airport, said: “It’s incredibly pleasing to see Aer Lingus’ inaugural flight to Barbados take off from Manchester Airport. 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.”
The A330-300 is used by Aer Lingus on its Barbados routes.
