Emerald Airlines secures ATR 72-600 fleet

DUBLIN - Emerald Airlines will operate Aer Lingus regional routes by 2023. The new Irish regional airline has committed to lease four ATR 72-600 aircraft from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the world’s largest regional aircraft leasing company. Emerald and the planes might enter service as early as 2022.

Emerald Airlines has been granted the exclusive franchise for the Aer Lingus Regional route network from 1 January 2023 until the end of 2032.

"The airline is continuing to work closely with Aer Lingus to evaluate options with respect to an earlier contract start date," Emerald Airlines said. Just last month, Emerald Airlines also received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Irish Aviation Authority, proving its fitness-to-fly capability.

Commenting on the announcement, Conor McCarthy, CEO, and Founder of Emerald Airlines said: "We’re extremely pleased with the outcome of our agreement with Nordic Aviation Capital, and we are really looking forward to receiving this delivery of ATR 72-600s," Emerald CEO Conor McCarthy said. "Over the coming months, we are set to secure additional aircraft, with this agreement bringing us another step closer to that."

Emerald will take over Aer Lingus regional routes from defunct Stobart Air. Aer Lingus will operate the routes itself as Emerald prepares to start its operation.