American Airlines is planning to expand its operations from Dublin this upcoming summer season, with the return of three seasonal services to Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, and Dallas Fort Worth. These returns will complement the airline's existing year-round daily service from Philadelphia and will be operated daily until October 29th.

Considering that the US is Ireland's most significant long-haul market, American Airlines is looking to recover at least 96% of the passenger capacity it had back in 2019. The return of the seasonal services enables the Fort Worth-based airline to offer more than 13,600 seats per week on up to 56 flights, and the news is welcomed by Rhett Workman, American’s Managing Director for Europe, Middle East, and Asia:

“We are proud to continue to expand our footprint across Europe with more flying from Dublin to our US hubs, providing more flexible travel options to our customers who are eager to return to the skies. American Airlines is grateful to our oneworld and Atlantic Joint Business partner Aer Lingus and the Dublin Airport Authority for their support in building a stronger customer-centric hub in Dublin.”

Departures from Dublin

Reopening for the first time since 2019, the Dublin-Charlotte route will be operated using the airline's Boeing 777-200ER. Back then, the route ferried an estimated 77,220 passengers. With a seating capacity of 273 in three different cabin classes, American Airlines will be offering an increased capacity of 10% compared to what it provided three years ago.

And considering that Chicago O'Hare is Ireland's second most vital transatlantic destination, it makes sense for American Airlines to give this route a significant return. Before the pandemic, the airline flew over 487,100 passengers, which is why the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will be used this time around.

As for the Dublin-Dallas Forth Worth route, American Airlines used to ferry an estimated 53,970 passengers before the pandemic. This time, the airline is looking to use its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft to carry just over 230 passengers in three cabin classes.

Then there's the year-round service to Philadelphia, which used to mobilize approximately 243,000 passengers before the pandemic. The numbers aren't shocking, considering that Dublin is the second busiest European destination for Philadelphia Airport, so the route is also operated on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Sustainable partnerships

American Airlines has had a long-term partnership with Dublin Airport, having first flown there in 2005 with a Chicago-Dublin route. Since then, American Airlines has increased its presence in Ireland, more so at Dublin Airport, to help it become ahead of its European competitors such as Gatwick and Manchester Airport in terms of US connectivity.

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Looking ahead

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic had hit Dublin Airport especially hard, and the airport is still progressing in rebuilding its global reach. Thus, the news of American Airlines returning with more services is undoubtedly delightful news for Dublin Airport, as celebrated by Dalton Philips, Chief Executive Officer of daa, the operator of Dublin Airport:

“It is great to see the expansion of American Airlines. In Ireland, we enjoy deep connections with the United States, so this new expansion of connectivity is great news for both business and leisure passengers. We look forward to continuing to work with American Airlines in promoting their expanded service offering at Dublin Airport."

Partnerships with over 40 airlines, such as American Airlines, have enabled Dublin Airport to offer destinations to Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, and Philadelphia, which are just some of the 180 destinations, alongside Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Reykjavik.

Source: Aviacionline