First year anniversary celebrations for Aer Lingus at Belfast Airport

Irish flagship airline Aer Lingus has celebrated a successful first year since its launch of operations at Belfast International Airport.

Aer Lingus began flight operations from December 10th 2007, having invested around £100 million in August in relocating to the new base.

The airline has launched ten new routes from Belfast International airport, received more than 750,000 bookings and served around 600,000 passengers in the past 12 months.

The flagship route from Belfast International Airport to London Heathrow has also seen Aer Lingus take more than 40 per cent of the incumbent airline's market share.

Dermot Mannion, Aer Lingus’ chief executive, said: "Whatever way you slice it the Aer Lingus move to Belfast has been and remains a success.

"We've exceeded our targets, delivered real choice and competition in the marketplace and in just the first year of operation Heathrow is already exceeding our expectations and there is still room to grow."

Mr Mannion also confirmed that Aer Lingus will launch new flights between Belfast International Airport and Tenerife in 2009 and increase its existing services to Malaga, Lanzarote, Faro and Rome.

Airline Booking and Information

• Read more about Aer Lingus or Book flights with Aer Lingus

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