The franchise agreement is due to formally start on 1 January 2023, but may begin earlier due to the demise of Stobart Air in June, which previously operated as Aer Lingus Regional. Stobart ceased flying when its parent company Esken declined to bail it out.
Aer Lingus Regional feeds the mainline carrier’s Dublin-North America flights as well as providing point-to-point services from the UK, Isle of Man and Jersey to Ireland. Under the agreement, Emerald Airlines will operate ATR turboprop aircraft in Aer Lingus branding and livery.
