Aer Lingus Celebrates 75th Anniversary
By Aer Lingus, PRNEWednesday, June 8, 2011
DUBLIN, June 9, 2011 -
Aer Lingus has unveiled a new retro painted aircraft in the former 1960s
'Irish International' livery, to mark its 75th anniversary celebrations. The
newest addition to the fleet, an Airbus A320- EI-DVM, MSN 4634 series, named
'St Coleman', was painted especially for the anniversary celebrations and
unveiled at a ceremony at the iconic, Old Central Terminal Building Dublin
airport - designed by the late Desmond FitzGerald.
Cabin crew modelled vintage uniforms, from each decade beginning 1945
through to the current Aer Lingus uniform by acclaimed designer, Louise
Kennedy.
Speaking at the event, Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller said: "2011 is a
very special year for Aer Lingus as it marks the airline's 75th anniversary.
Since the early days of 1936, Aer Lingus has grown to become a flag carrier
with a worldwide reputation for our friendly staff, our high quality of
service, value for money and innovation. Throughout the 75 years we have
carried out our mission of connecting Ireland with the world, transporting
millions of customers annually. We look forward to continuing to fly the
shamrock for the next 75 years."
On May 27th 1936 Aer Lingus launched its first ever flight between
Baldonnel and Bristol, with five passengers, on a six-seater De Havilland 84
Dragon named Iolar, - meaning 'eagle' in Irish. As part of the anniversary
celebrations, the sister aircraft of the Iolar has undergone a restoration
project, meaning it is once again airworthy and will partake at celebratory
events throughout the year.
In its inaugural year Aer Lingus operated three routes, carrying 892
passengers and employed a total of 12 staff. In 2010, its 75th year of
service, the airline carried 9.4 million passengers, flying to over 100
routes - to 75 destinations in 22 countries and providing employment to
almost 4,000 staff.
About Aer Lingus:
Aer Lingus was founded by the Irish Government in April 1936 to provide
air services to/from Ireland. The first flight, from Dublin to Bristol, took
place on May 27th 1936. On October 2nd 2006, Aer Lingus entered a new phase
in its history with the airline's floatation on the Irish and London Stock
Exchanges, becoming a publicly quoted company and realising EUR400 million in
equity for the airline's future growth.
Aer Lingus offers a number of UK Flight deals, (
www.aerlingus.com/travelinformation/weboffersfromuk/) Ireland Flight
Deals (www.aerlingus.com/travelinformation/weboffersfromireland/) and
USA travel offers, (
www.aerlingus.com/travelinformation/weboffersfromusa/) including
Flights to Dublin. (www.aerlingus.com/home/index.jsp)
Aer Lingus' low-cost, low fares model is centred on maintaining low unit
cost, offering one way fares, maintaining effective fleet utilisation and
developing the Aer Lingus brand. Consistent with this low-cost model, Aer
Lingus' primary distribution channel is its website aerlingus.com. In 2007,
approximately 75% of total passenger revenue was generated through
aerlingus.com.
For further information: Declan Kearney Aer Lingus Corporate Communications Aer Lingus Head Office Dublin Airport Co. Dublin Ireland PA 06-39 +353-86-6172702 www.aerlingus.com
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Tags: Aer Lingus, Dublin, ireland, June 9