Is this the death knell for model low-cost for Aer Lingus ? The airline seems to be reverting to a Premium service on its short and medium-haul routes, with the low-cost concept proving incompatible with its airline partners. oneworld and its long-haul product. The Irish carrier will launch the 1st September next AerSpacea new class of premium services designed in particular to appeal to business travellers, and which will be systematically offered to long-haul passengers travelling in business class and connecting in Dublin, one of the most important hubs between Europe and the United States.
The new class will be installed in the first row of Aer Lingus aircraft, by neutralising the middle seat to offer AerSpace passengers only a window or aisle seat. Baggage compartments will be specifically allocated to the AerSpace class. On the ground, passengers will benefit from priority check-in with a 20kg baggage allowance, priority passage through security checks, theaccess to a business lounge as well as priority boarding. On board, AerSpace passengers will have access to a complimentary snack and beverage from the in-flight menu.
According to Susanne CarberryDirector of Network Revenues and Loyalty, " the launch of AerSpace meets passenger demand for more space and comfort, as well as for a premium product on short-haul flights ". There is a high percentage of businessmen between Dublin and London, Barcelona, Manchester and Paris. Visit French market is in fact the airline's third largest in Europe, in terms of seats. In 2018 it accounted for more than 590,000 annual seatsbehind the UK (3.3 million seats) and Spain (937,000 seats). In London, for example, 25% of passengers are travelling for business reasons. Business passengers will also be able to collect Avios miles, a benefit reserved exclusively for members of the Aer Lingus frequent flyer programme.
The new class can already be booked on the airline's website or on the GDSs. Prices for AerSpace start from 129 euros including all taxes. The AerSpace option is in addition to the three existing booking classes "Saver", "Plus" and "Advantage". Since March, Aer Lingus has also been offering members of its FFP AerClub the possibility of paying for part of their flights in Avios, the points accumulated under their programme. This facility allows members to benefit from a discount on the total price of their ticket. Avios points can be deducted online at the time of booking on the airline's website or via its app.
The launch of AerSpace confirms that the trend is towards investment in premium cabins, as illustrated recently by British Airways or even Ukraine International Airlines.
UK routes equipped with AerSpace class on 1 September:
- Dublin- Heathrow
- Cork - Heathrow
- Dublin - Gatwick
- Shannon - Heathrow
- Dublin - London City
- Belfast - Heathrow
- Dublin - Birmingham
- Gatwick - Knock
- Dublin - Manchester
... and in Europe :
- Dublin - Paris
- Cork - Paris
- Dublin - Amsterdam
- Cork - Amsterdam
- Dublin - Brussels
- Cork - Lisbon
- Dublin - Munich
- Cork - Munich
- Dublin - Barcelona
- Cork - Barcelona
- Dublin - Frankfurt
- Dublin - Zurich
- Dublin - Berlin
- Dublin - Geneva
- Dublin - Milan (Linate & Malpensa)
- Dublin - Madrid
- Dublin - Lisbon
- Dublin - Düsseldorf
