Aer Arann

Aer Arann began in 1970 to provide a service between Dublin Airport and the Arann islands off the west coast of Ireland. Businessman Pádraig Ó Céidigh purchased the airline and began its expansion. In 2002 it launched services to the UK and Jersey and two years later to Lorient and Nantes in France. The airline, with a staff of over 400 and a fleet of 14 ATR aircraft has an annual turnover of 94 million euro and is reported to be one of the fastest growing airlines in regional terms in Europe. Over 600 flights are operated a week to 39 destinations in Ireland, the UK and France.

The regional airline, with its main base at Dublin Airport and hubs in Cork, Galway and Cardiff international airports is a major service provider for flights throughout Ireland. In addition its carrier service provides scheduled flights to ten destinations in the UK, including Northern Ireland and further services to France and Jersey.

TAll Aer Arann's flight tickets are issued through e-ticketing, while their e-check-in service is the new fast and hassle free way to avoid lengthy queues. Like many European and in particular Irish low-cost airlines, Aer Arann's in-flight service is minimal and not the cheapest but the company's excellence in customer service was recently recognized when it received the Palme D'Or European regional award for sustained excellence.

Aer Arann is promoting and supporting the ever present campaign for a cleaner, greener world with a recent decision to update their aircraft fleet to the new ATR aircraft that is proven to reduce fuel burn and lower carbon emissions. In 2007 the airline announced its decision to sponsor the Sunderland AFC football team's tour of Ireland, supporting not only the team but one of the country's national heroes, Roy Keane.