Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus has started flying to Cleveland from Dublin in what it said is ts first new transatlantic route since 2019.
"With the start of its new service, Aer Lingus becomes the only airline to fly between Europe and Cleveland, opening a unique gateway to the [US] midwest for its customers", the International Airlines Group carrier said in an announcement.
Aer Lingus said the route is more than 90% booked for summer 2023, with "general transatlantic bookings" up more than 20% on 2019.
The airline said there has been a "jump in demand from Aer Lingus’ UK and European customers connecting via Dublin", who make up 40% of the carrier's transatlantic traffic from the Irish capital.
Bookings to Washington D.C. and Orlando have increased by 40% and 35% since 2019, with the airline's overall transatlantic passenger traffic expected to hit three million in 2023.
“The addition of the new Cleveland route is a further demonstration of Aer Lingus’ commitment to develop Dublin as a hub, a key part of the airline’s growth strategy," said chief executive Lynne Embleton.
“Our strategy augments direct travel between Ireland and the US with connecting passengers from across Europe", Embleton added, pointing to "the ability to pre-clear US customs and immigration in Dublin ".
