Aer Lingus launches Dublin-Washington flights

Irish airline Aer Lingus has launched its new flights between Dublin and Washington over the weekend.

The carrier claims that the new service means that it is the first European airline to launch a new route under the EU-USA open skies agreement.

It is set to launch new routes from Ireland to two more US destinations - Orlando and San Francisco - in October of this year, increasing the number of transatlantic seats available by 6,200 a week.

"This new route is significant for many reasons. It symbolises the liberalisation of transatlantic air services and the creation of a more dynamic and competitive Aer Lingus under a new ownership structure," commented Irish transport minister Noel Dempsey.

In related news, Aer Lingus is expected to announce the scrapping of its services between Shannon and Heathrow Airport this week. If the move goes ahead, the airline is expected to transfer the landing slot from Shannon to Belfast.

• British Airways boss underlines Heathrow Airport importance
• Emirates completes move to new terminal in Dubai
• United Airlines to resume flights from London to Denver
• British Airways strikes inflight entertainment deal
• Tunarama Festival to attract visitors to Australia
• Paphos Airport gets off to good start
• British Airways fliers to "breeze" through JFK
• Winter season underway in Austria
• Ski slopes opening in Alberta
• Air Berlin launches new flights from Stansted Airport