Ireland’s newest airline, Emerald Airlines, will operate the Government funded public service obligation air service between Donegal and Dublin airports, under the Aer Lingus Regional brand.
Minister Eamon Ryan T.D. and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton made the announcement a short time ago.
The current temporary contract operated by Amapola Flyg AB following the collapse of Stobart Air last June, expires on 25 February 2022.
The new contract with Emerald Airlines will operate from 26 February 2022 until 25 February 2025 and may be extended for a further one-year period.
The award of the new contract to Emerald Airlines follows an EU public tendering process conducted by the Department of Transport in accordance with the requirements of EU Regulation 1008/2008, which allows PSOs to airports that serve peripheral or less developed regions.
Minister Ryan said, “Government funded air services on the Donegal to Dublin route provide vital connectivity for Donegal and the North-West region to Dublin. I am delighted to announce that Emerald Airlines will operate services on this route commencing on 26 February 2022. I know that this route provides important reassurance for those who need to attend medical or other important appointments as well as supporting business and tourism in the region.”
Minister Naughton said, “This will provide the people and businesses in the North-West with daily air services to Dublin, facilitating return trips within the day, and further international connectivity from Dublin airport through Emerald Airline’s partners. Bhí athchóiriú na n-aersheirbhísí sin a chuireann nascacht réigiúnach ar fáil ríthábhachtach don Rialtas seo. Ba mhaith liom gach rath a ghuí ar Emerald Airlines i bhfeidhmiú na seirbhísí seo agus ag fás an bhealaigh seo.”
Conor McCarthy, CEO of Emerald Airlines said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the new operator of the vital air route between Donegal and Dublin for the next 3 years.
“This announcement is a great boost for ensuring continued connectivity from Donegal to Dublin, and beyond, and we are really looking forward to welcoming passengers onboard from 26 February next. Flights are available for booking now on www.aerlingus.com .
Emerald Airlines will be offering up to 2 flights daily each way linking Donegal and Dublin with convenient flight timings, which enable same-day trips to Dublin, and seamless connections with the Aer Lingus network from Dublin with a record number of seats.
It says not only will this be a huge boost for travel between Donegal and Dublin but it will also re-establish vital tourism connections to Donegal on the wider Aer Lingus network.
Emerald Airlines will be operating this route with Aer Lingus flight numbers and under the Aer Lingus brand using the 72-seater ATR72-600, which has a significant environmental advantage over other regional jets and turboprops in its class.
Working closely with our partners in Donegal airport, we look forward to continued success of this important route.”
Steve Ó Cúláin, Chairman, and Eilís Ní Dhochartaigh, Managing Director of Donegal Airport jointly said: “The Board of Directors and Management of Donegal Airport welcome the announcement by Minister Ryan T.D. and Minister of State Naughton T.D. that Emerald Airlines is to be awarded the contract to operate the PSO route which provides an essential air link between the North West and Dublin in the absence of a motorway or rail network in the region.”
He said “The appointment of the new carrier on a long-term basis is welcome news for all passengers who rely on this service.
“Given the uncertainty which ensued in the Summer of last year following the collapse of the previous airline; I know that many business passengers, students and those who use the flight for medical appointments and treatment in Dublin will breathe a sigh of relief today knowing that this contract has been awarded on a 3-year basis.
“As I have said previously, this route is vital for the North West. The 40-minute flight makes that journey much easier than the 4 or 5 hours it takes to travel by road, each way.”
“The North West is not connected to Dublin or the rest of Ireland by motorway, dual carriageway or rail. For those who live in Donegal and travel to work or study in Dublin, the regional airport makes this possible.
“I reiterate that it is important that the new airline offers the lowest possible airfares for passengers to ensure that people can afford to use the service.
“I also commend the team at Donegal Airport for their continued work and I wish Emerald Airlines the very best of luck in the new venture when they take over the service on the 26th February 2022.”
