The regional airline Emerald Airlines has only been in the air for a few days, but was able to land millions in corona state aid from the Irish government. This is granted via the Irish Strategic Investment Fund and amounts to around six million euros. 

Aer Lingus will get significantly more, because the carrier will receive a further 2020 million euros in addition to the 150 million euros paid out at the end of 200. Most recently, the IAG subsidiary made a loss of 2021 million euros in 347. There is also a credit line of 220 million euros, which is also processed through the ISIF.

"The increase of ISIF's available facility to €350m provides additional reassurance and together with the airline's focus on improving our cost efficiency and competitiveness is an important element in planning our recovery," said Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Haun. Ireland formally grants the state support as a loan, but these have a very long term.

Aer Lingus is confident that the airline industry's recovery will gain momentum this year. However, there are numerous factors that could have a negative impact. For this reason, talks are still being held with the parent company IAG and the ISIF in order to be able to cover any additional liquidity requirements.

Start-up Emerald gets six million euros

The situation at Emerald Airlines is somewhat different. This carrier only started flight operations a few days ago. As a franchisee, you fly under the Aer Lingus Regional brand on your own account. On some routes they also act as an ACMI provider for the IAG subsidiary. Many routes previously served by the now insolvent Stobart Air have been included, but also some entirely new ones. 

"The provision of debt capital to the Irish aviation sector by Aer Lingus and Emerald will also benefit Ireland's hospitality and leisure sectors by helping to stimulate tourism to Ireland again and attract more customers to these businesses," said ISIF Director Nick Ashmore . "ISIF's investment in Emerald Airlines will help support the important regional connectivity to the UK and beyond, as well as the associated jobs and far-reaching economic benefits, including in relation to the tourism and hospitality sectors."

Emerald Airlines plans to expand significantly over the coming weeks and months. Numerous new routes are to be added from Belfast and Dublin. It is currently planned that around 430 flights per week will be carried out this year. In a further expansion step, regional airports are also to be linked.