In a year that witnessed Aer Lingus’ largest ever transatlantic expansion since it commenced transatlantic flying in 1958, the airline has marked its one millionth transatlantic passenger.
Upon checking in to their flight to Los Angeles, California, Olwen Kelleghan and Ciarán Foy from Co Dublin were greeted by Aer Lingus staff with champagne, a complimentary business-class upgrade and a pair of complimentary tickets for any route of their choice on Aer Lingus’ transatlantic network.
Commenting on the milestone occasion, Mike Rutter, Chief Operating Officer at Aer Lingus, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the millionth guest on board an Aer Lingus transatlantic flight in 2016. This is a significant moment in the airline’s history which comes after a busy year in which we have announced a number of exciting new transatlantic routes. We are committed to expanding our Dublin Airport base into a major European transatlantic gateway and look forward to welcoming the next million guests on board Aer Lingus flights.”
The convenience of US Customs and Border Protection services at Dublin has enhanced the continued growth of Aer Lingus’ Dublin operation as a connecting gateway and Dublin Airport itself is now the fifth largest transatlantic gateway in Europe. The airline has also recently been awarded four-star status and been named Europe’s third favourite airline by internationally revered airline rating website Skytrax.
Pictured above are Ciarán Foy and Olwen Kelleghan who today became Aer Lingus’ one millionth transatlantic passengers. The married couple from Dublin, but currently residing in Los Angeles, were greeted by Aer Lingus crew member Sarah Jane Maples.