Aer Lingus? inaugural service to Minneapolis-St. Paul, the gateway to the Midwest, has taken off, marking the beginning of the airline?s 16th transatlantic route.
The new service to Minnesota?s Twin Cities, launched on Monday, is the latest North American destination Ireland?s flag carrier will be flying to across the transatlantic.
Flight EI089 was operated by a Boeing 757, named after the Irish Saint, Saint Otteran. On the inaugural flight, 21% of guests flew to Minneapolis-St Paul from the UK, with the majority of travellers flying out of London airports, followed by Manchester and Edinburgh.
The new route will initially operate six times a week, increasing to a daily, year-round service from August this year. Up to 2,478 return seats will be available every week.
Sean Doyle, CEO of the airline, said: ?We are delighted to commence Ireland?s first and only direct service to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota State. The Minneapolis-St. Paul region holds great promise for Aer Lingus particularly in terms of the connections we can offer to UK and European guests as well as those travelling from North America and onwards to Europe.
?As a destination, there is both business and leisure appeal and we?re pleased to report that we are geared up for a busy summer.?
Brian Ryks, executive director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates Minneapolis?Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), said: ?The Metropolitan Airports Commission is very pleased to welcome Aer Lingus to MSP Airport. This is our first ever direct, non-stop service to Dublin from MSP, so it is a historic day for us. We anticipate it will be a popular route with both business and leisure travellers."
The Ireland carrier also serves other popular North American destinations including New York, Boston, Washington, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco.
Summer fares from the UK to Minneapolis-St. Paul start from ?249 each-way, including taxes and charges, when booked as a return trip. Aer Lingus also offer smooth connections via Dublin from 14 UK cities including; London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol and Cardiff among others.
Visit aerlingus.com to find out more.
