File photo of Aer Lingus aircraft at Dublin Airport, including aircraft in the regional fleet. Last month Aer Lingus cancelled a number of regional flights after operator Stobart Air ended its contract with the airline. Emerald Airlines, which is financially backed by Mr McCarthy and a number of private investors, was named preferred bidder last November by Aer Lingus to operate the Aer Lingus Regional service. Aer Lingus Regional had been operated by Dublin-based Stobart Air under a contract that was due to expire at the end of 2022. By the end of next year, Mr McCarthy said Emerald should have 14 aircraft in service and about 400 staff.

Source: Irish Independent July 05, 2021 01:30 UTC