Are Lingus has announced its largest ever winter schedule with 138,000 extra seats from the UK to Ireland. 

New services and capacity increases across the transatlantic network offer UK passengers more choice and convenient connections via Dublin.

There will be 350 additional transatlantic flights for winter 2017 and a 13% increase in transatlantic capacity compared to last year.

A new long-haul Miami route will start from 1 September and operate three flights per week.

The new Airbus A330-300 will be in operation for full winter season.

There will also be 12 flights per week to the West Coast – Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Passengers from Britain can take advantage of the new and increased services through the airline’s connections from 18 UK airports. When connecting in Dublin, Aer Lingus guests can pre-clear U.S Customs and Immigration allowing them to pass through domestic channels upon landing for a smooth and swift arrival in the USA.

Mike Rutter, chief operating officer, Aer Lingus said: “This Winter is our biggest yet with considerable expansion of our long-haul and European networks. The increasing recognition that the Aer Lingus Dublin Hub is the fastest, cheapest and least hassle way to visit North America is underpinned by a further 13% increase in transatlantic seats from Dublin this winter. The Aer Lingus Dublin Hub is now the year round choice for North Atlantic travellers whether they are travelling for leisure or business purposes. This premier position will be underscored by our new route to Miami and the increased frequency to our California gateways.”

Are Lingus’ UK short-haul network will also expand his winter.

Key growth routes are the Birmingham to Dublin service with 50,000 additional seats and the London Heathrow to Dublin service benefiting from an additional early morning flight resulting in 56,000 extra seats.

The wider European network will also see increased capacity to key European cities such as Hamburg, operating up to 10 flights per week, double the frequency of last year, as well as Zurich, also operating 10 services per week.

Winter sun continues to be a top priority with 190,000 seats to the Canary Islands and popular destinations in France will enjoy greater frequency with Aer Lingus operating a four times weekly service to Bordeaux and seven flights per week to Lyons.

Bilbao, Spain is the airline’s new winter short-haul destination with a three-times-weekly service during peak winter months from Dublin.