Aer Lingus' Inaugural Flight From Washington Dulles to Dublin Jets Off Connecting Both Capital Cities

JERICHO, NY--(Marketwired - May 01, 2015) - Aer Lingus' inaugural flight from Washington D.C. (EI 118), an Airbus A330-200, named St. Mella, will take off from Washington Dulles airport at 5:20 pm today.

Aer Lingus will operate four flights per week from Washington D.C. to Dublin as part of its transatlantic growth plan in 2015. This is the airline's seventh North American transatlantic gateway.

In a further boost to its growing long haul business, the airline is also increasing capacity on other Aer Lingus transatlantic routes for summer 2015, including:

• a daily flight from San Francisco to Dublin, up from five weekly currently

• the introduction of a third daily flight from New York to Dublin from June through August, departing at the early time of 12 noon and returning from Dublin at 7:50 am daily

• an increase in frequency on the Orlando to Dublin route from three to four flights per week, from 1 May 2015

• a 20% increase in capacity on the Boston Shannon route for twelve weeks in the peak summer period, June through August

• customers can choose from over 70 onward connections across the U.K. and Continental Europe.

Stephen Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Aer Lingus, said, "We continue to grow our transatlantic business with the introduction of our direct service from Washington. The success of our customer proposition and the development of Dublin as a hub between North America and Europe will see us operate 24 daily departures across the Atlantic this summer. This together with our extensive European network offers seamless travel options from our nine U.S gateways to connections throughout Ireland and beyond, reinforcing our new brand strategy 'Smart flies Aer Lingus'."

Christopher U. Browne, Vice President and Washington Dulles International Airport Manager, said, "Adding Aer Lingus to Washington Dulles International provides more international options for passengers traveling to and from the Washington, D.C., region. This new service to Dublin continues to expand Aer Lingus' offerings and destinations from Dulles International to the world, which enables us to continue to deliver world-class service to our traveling public."

Flights to Dublin from Washington Dulles are available for sale on aerlingus.com with summer fares starting from $999* roundtrip, including taxes and charges.

Services available to customers on transatlantic flights include pre-clearance U.S. immigration and customs at Dublin and Shannon airports, connections to onward destinations across Europe, hi-speed internet access, an extensive in-flight entertainment selection, gourmet meals including premium economy options and award winning cabin service.

New Business Class

Aer Lingus recently launched its new business class experience on its transatlantic flights. The service provides a unique differentiator for Aer Lingus and will ensure that customers experience the best of smart travel with high levels of comfort and sophistication.

The Business Class service, available on direct flights from San Francisco, New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington and Orlando to Dublin provides a unique space based on a customer's needs -- depending on whether they wish to sleep, work, dine or simply relax. This is facilitated by the new custom designed Vantage seat which converts into a full-lie-flat 6'6" (2 metres) bed. In addition a new business lounge has opened at T5 John F. Kennedy airport and a new Pre-dine service available at John F. Kennedy and Boston airports. In addition a new Arrivals lounge, named 'Revival Lounge', has opened at Dublin airport will ensure customers are refreshed and ready for their day. Aer Lingus has selected top class Irish suppliers to provide the best of modern Ireland. The re-launched business class service is proving extremely popular and is generating very positive feedback from Aer Lingus transatlantic business travellers.

$999 fare terms and conditions:

Fare is per person, round trip including carrier and government imposed fees and taxes including the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes and fees.

Fare shown is only available at aerlingus.com until 7:00pm ET on May 6, 2015.

Travel valid in Economy Class between July 1 and August 21, 2015 to Dublin

Fare shown is not valid for travel between:

• Washington D.C. and Dublin: Jul. 9-11, Jul. 16-18, 2015

• Dublin and Washington D.C.: Jul. 9-11, Jul. 18-21, Jul. 25 - Aug. 4, 2015

Other days are subject to higher prices. Saturday night minimum stay is required.

Fare applies to North American originating passengers only. Full payment is made at the time of reservation. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Higher fares may also be available throughout travel period. Cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion.

Eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Child/infant discounts apply.

Stopovers are not permitted. A stopover occurs when the passenger does not depart an intermediate point within 24 hours for international travel.

Valid for new bookings only. All fares, taxes, fees, rules and offers are subject to change or be withdrawn without notice. Fares are nonrefundable, except that for flights to/from North America, you may cancel the ticketed reservation without penalty and receive a refund provided that you cancel the reservation within 24-hours after making it, if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight's departure. Fare shown costs up to $32 more if purchased from Aer Lingus over the phone or at an Aer Lingus ticket counter. These amounts are nonrefundable. These costs may vary by country. To avoid paying this additional expense, book and ticket your reservation on aerlingus.com. View Optional Bag and Service Fees. Additional bag charges may apply.