Aer Lingus has expanded its partnership with inflight service provider dnata Catering & Retail.
The agreement covers a five-year inflight retail contract alongside the remaining five-year contract of dnata's hub catering services.
The expanded retail operations cover over 180 Aer Lingus flights daily across the airline's Dublin, Shannon, Cork, and Manchester bases.
Under this new partnership, dnata is responsible for the full management of the retail programme, from product sourcing and procurement to warehousing and technology provision.
“Together we're delivering a modern, data-driven retail programme that celebrates Irish brands, improves efficiency, and enhances passenger choice,” said dnata Catering & Retail CEO Robin Padgett.
“The addition of inflight retail to the existing partnership we have with dnata will drive significant operational benefits, whilst enhancing our customer experience at the same time,” said Aer Lingus chief operations officer Adrian Dunne.
The airline is considering closing its Manchester Airport base, claiming the base is underperforming. The airline is now considering the long-term viability of its Manchester base.
The union Unite reacted angrily, noting that the closure would impact over 200 workers, including 150 cabin crew.