Aer Lingus inaugural flight EI131 to Hartford, Connecticut took off on a Boeing 757, named St Brendan, registration EI-LBT, on 28 September from Dublin airport at 2.40pm. The airline now offers a year-round service from Dublin direct to Hartford, Connecticut, in the heart of New England.
The new Aer Lingus service not only creates a direct connection between Ireland and Connecticut, it also further establishes Dublin as the natural transatlantic gateway to North America. Guests from 19 key UK airports can take advantage of easy transatlantic connections when transferring in Dublin, pre-clearing U.S Customs and Immigration allowing them to pass through domestic channels upon landing for a smooth and swift arrival in the USA.
The Hartford launch is the third of three new Aer Lingus transatlantic routes to commence this year, marking the single largest expansion of Aer Lingus’ transatlantic network since the airline commenced transatlantic flying in 1958. A direct new service to Los Angeles, California began in May and on 1st September a new daily service commenced from Dublin to Newark, New Jersey.
Stephen Kavanagh, Chief Executive Officer, Aer Lingus, said: “We are delighted to commence a direct service between our Dublin gateway and Bradley International Airport, Hartford and to offer convenient connecting service from major cities across Britain and Europe. Whether travelling for business or pleasure we aim to deliver the quality service and competitive prices that have earned us our Skytrax 4-Star airline status. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all the state representatives, business and community leaders who have supported Aer Lingus to date and we look forward to making this route a success for all involved.”