LCC: Low Cost Carrier (Red.)
Fly Atlantic, a new
low-cost transatlantic airline, chooses Northern Ireland as its base
By
22 November 2022
·
Fly
Atlantic to launch as a major international airline based in Belfast
·
New
direct routes to North America, Great Britain and continental Europe from
Belfast International
·
Up
to 21,000 new jobs to be created by 2030
Fly Atlantic today (22 November) unveiled its
plans to launch a new low-cost transatlantic airline based at Belfast
International Airport providing affordable direct flights to the US and Canada
as well as a range of new British and continental European destinations.
Once fully operational Fly Atlantic plans to
operate 35 destinations from Belfast with 1,000 jobs created within the airline
and up to 21,000 in tourism and support sectors.
The airline plans to operate from Summer 2024 with
flights available for sale at the beginning of that year. The new airline will
create a major hub at Belfast International linking traffic to/from Europe with
Northern American destinations to supplement local passenger numbers.
Belfast International was selected as base airport
against strong competition from other airports in the UK and Ireland. The
airline will initially operate six aircraft at its Antrim base, growing to a
fleet of 18 by 2028. The airline is in discussion with both Boeing and
Airbus over aircraft, with the choice being between the Boeing MAX and the
Airbus A321.
Fly Atlantic’s Chief Executive Andrew Pyne
outlined the reasons for choosing to base the airline in Northern Ireland:
“Our vision is of Belfast as a
strong aviation hub linking Europe and North America. The lack of direct
transatlantic air services has clearly been an impediment to Northern Ireland’s
economic and tourism development, which we now intend to remove. The project
can be a game-changer. We will be offering affordable fares with brand-new
aircraft. We already have offices at the airport and will now be building out
the infrastructure to support the airline’s launch. We start recruiting for the
team early in 2023.”
“We looked at many options
throughout the UK and Ireland. Belfast International and Vinci stood out in
terms of the facilities that they offered us and by their enthusiasm for and
commitment to making this project a reality. Northern Ireland has a proud
aviation and engineering history, and we are delighted to be able to build on
this tradition as we develop the airline and its support functions.”
Mr Pyne also acknowledged the support received
from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council:
“The Council has been right behind
the project from the start. Its commitment and consistent support have been key
factors in deciding to base here. We are pleased that the Council shares our
vision for Fly Atlantic and for the future of Belfast International as a major
hub airport. This is an airline that will deliver greater connectivity and help
transmit Northern Ireland’s unique identity to a global audience.”
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Alderman Stephen
Ross said:
“The announcement by Fly Atlantic is
fantastic news not only for the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough but for
Northern Ireland as a whole. Thanks to Fly Atlantic and Belfast International
Airport’s unique partnership we will soon be able to offer direct access to
worldwide destinations. Improving connectivity is a key part of our Economic
Development Strategy and we are delighted that Fly Atlantic has selected
Belfast International Airport to become a hub, offering direct flights to North
America, UK, and Europe.
“This is a key moment for Northern
Ireland and is the most significant local aviation announcement in recent
history. Belfast International Airport is the ideal hub for Fly Atlantic to
base its operations due to its location, drive, and ability to offer
unparalleled experience and routes for passengers,” said Alderman Ross.
Welcoming Fly Atlantic’s commitment to being based
at Belfast International, Graham Keddie, Managing Director of Belfast
International Airport, said:
“We welcome the announcement by Fly Atlantic and
look forward to them bringing this project to fruition as it would have very
real economic benefits for Northern Ireland’s economy and would further enhance
our international connectivity”.
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