From Ireland, it is currently particularly difficult for IAG group member Aer Lingus to offer long-haul flights because the entry requirements are extremely restrictive. The company is now trying to move to Manchester.

Regardless of Brexit, Aer Lingus could benefit from contracts between Ireland and the UK that are much older than the European Union. On the basis of age-old agreements, the Irish carrier intends to move the long-haul flights previously offered from Shannon to Manchester. According to Reuters, 1.500 pairs of slots have already been acquired.

A new base is to be opened at the British airport, which will consist of an Airbus A330 and three A321LRs. With this sub-fleet one wants to offer primarily long-haul flights to North America. But the project is not yet entirely certain, because at Aer Lingus they are not entirely sure whether this can be implemented on the basis of the age-old treaties between Ireland and the United Kingdom. Possibly one could be dependent on an aviation agreement between the European Union and the UK. However, this does not yet exist and if it is not completed, the project could become extremely difficult. One foot in the door would still be if BA flight numbers are formally used, but the sister company Aer Lingus flies as a wetlease partner.

In any case, there will be a comeback in the Oneworld aviation alliance. This is primarily driven by the International Airlines Group. Aer Lingus was a member of this alliance between 2000 and 2007. Since back then it was geared towards point-to-point lowcosters, the alliance has been left. A few days ago, the United States granted antitrust approval for re-entry into Oneworld. An exact date for the resumption has not yet been set, but is expected in 2021.