Airline to offer transatlantic flights from Northern Ireland

Passengers arriving at Belfast International Airport, which will soon be running flights to North America. PA

A “game-changing” new low-cost airline will offer transatlantic flights from Northern Ireland.

Fly Atlantic will fill a gap in the market, with no direct flights currently operating between Belfast and North America.

The airline aims to begin operations to Europe and North America from summer 2024.

Once fully operational, it intends to operate to 35 destinations from Belfast, creating 21,000 new jobs by 2030.

That figure will include 1,000 jobs within the airline and up to 21,000 in tourism and support sectors.

Flights will go on sale from the beginning of 2024.

The airline said it would initially run six planes at Belfast International Airport — part of the Vinci Airports group — but plans to grow to a fleet of 18 by 2028.

It is in discussion with Boeing and Airbus over aircraft, with the choice being between the Boeing MAX and the Airbus A321.

Fly Atlantic's chief executive Andrew Pyne said Belfast was chosen over strong competition across the UK.

"Our vision is of Belfast as a strong aviation hub linking Europe and North America," he said.

"The lack of direct transatlantic air services has clearly been an impediment to Northern Ireland's economic and tourism development, which we now intend to remove.

"The project can be a game-changer.

"We will be offering affordable fares with brand new aircraft. We already have offices at the airport and will now be building out the infrastructure to support the airline's launch. We start recruiting for the team early in 2023.

"We looked at many options throughout the UK and Ireland. Belfast International and Vinci stood out in terms of the facilities that they offered us and by their enthusiasm for and commitment to making this project a reality. Northern Ireland has a proud aviation and engineering history, and we are delighted to be able to build on this tradition as we develop the airline and its support functions."

Mr Pyne also acknowledged the support received from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, adding it had been "right behind the project from the start".

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Stephen Ross, described the announcement as "fantastic news, not only for the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough but for Northern Ireland as a whole".

"This is a key moment for Northern Ireland and is the most significant local aviation announcement in recent history," he said.

"Belfast International Airport is the ideal hub for Fly Atlantic to base its operations due to its location, drive and ability to offer unparalleled experience and routes for passengers.

Graham Keddie, managing director of Belfast International Airport, also welcomed the announcement.

"We look forward to them bringing this project to fruition as it would have very real economic benefits for Northern Ireland's economy and would further enhance our international connectivity," he said.