Emerald Airlines launches new Belfast to Manchester flights

Exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional, Emerald Airlines, will launch a new route between Manchester Airport and Belfast City Airport this month.

The new route for the airline will ensure continuity of connections between Northern Ireland and the North West that previously were operated by Aer Lingus and British Airways.

Tickets are now on sale for the route, which will operate three times daily from 27th March.

Customers who book onto Emerald Airlines flights through the British Airways  or Aer Lingus websites can also earn and spend Avios and Tier points as part of British Airways’ Executive Club and Aer Lingus’ AerClub programmes.

Flights will be operated by the ATR72-600, the latest generation of turboprop aircraft combining environmental and economic performance.  These ultra low fuel burn aircraft emit up to 40% less CO2 on these short, regional flights.

Commenting on the announcement, Conor McCarthy, CEO of Emerald Airlines said:

“Having already announced our services linking Manchester and Belfast, we are delighted to go on sale from today with Aer Lingus and British Airways.

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.”

Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said:

“We are thrilled to see Emerald offering this service to Belfast City Airport.

“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.”

Matthew Hall, Chief Executive at George Best Belfast City Airport which is just a five-minute drive from the city centre, 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.  The ability to earn and spend Avios points with both airlines will be a welcome benefit for frequent fliers.

“We are grateful to our airline partners for maintaining connectivity throughout the pandemic and now look forward to commencing our long-term partnership with Emerald Airlines which presents significant opportunities for additional routes and frequencies.”