Aer Lingus hleypir af stokkunum beint frá Dublin til Nashville-flugvallar yfir Atlantshafsleiðina með Airbus A321XLR, sem merkir lengsta narrowbody flug fyrir flugfélagið

Mánudagur, apríl 14, 2025

Aer Lingus has introduced a new transatlantic route between Dublin Airport (DUB) and Nashville International Airport (BNA) in the United States. This exciting new service, operated by the airline’s cutting-edge Airbus A321XLR narrowbody aircraft, sets a new record for the longest narrowbody flight in the airline’s history, with a journey time of up to eight hours and 20 minutes.

The launch of this route is a milestone for Aer Lingus, following the delivery of its first two Airbus A321XLRs in December 2024. The Nashville route is the first to fully leverage the aircraft’s extended range, offering direct connectivity between Ireland and a previously underserved US city. The inaugural flight took just eight hours and 14 minutes, according to tracking data.

Aer Lingus will operate this route four times a week on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The four weekly flights will provide a total of 736 seats per week, utilizing the new A321XLRs, which feature a two-class cabin configuration with 184 seats—16 in business class and 168 in economy. The A321XLR, with a range of up to 8,700 kilometers (approximately 4,700 nautical miles), is ideally suited for this type of mid-range transatlantic service, eliminating the need for larger aircraft on these routes.

The decision to introduce this route reflects Aer Lingus’ broader strategy to expand its network and capitalize on opportunities in fast-growing US cities. Nashville, a cultural hotspot known for its vibrant country music scene, represents a valuable new market for the airline. Previously, there was no direct service between Nashville and Ireland, and this new route is expected to cater to both leisure and business travelers.

The city’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its famed southern cuisine, makes Nashville an attractive destination for Irish visitors. A recent survey conducted by Aer Lingus revealed that 71% of Irish respondents are fans of country music, with Generation Z showing the highest engagement, as 87% of them listen to country music regularly. This strong cultural connection further solidifies Nashville’s appeal and supports the decision to launch the route, making it a top destination for Irish travelers of all ages.

The Airbus A321XLRs used on this route are designed with comfort in mind, featuring modern amenities to enhance the travel experience. Business class passengers will enjoy lie-flat seats equipped with mood lighting, massage functions, and 18-inch 4K screens with Bluetooth connectivity. In economy class, passengers will have access to 12-inch 4K screens, USB-C power outlets, and adjustable headrests, ensuring a comfortable journey for everyone.

This new route to Nashville is just the beginning of Aer Lingus’ plans to expand its presence in North America. The airline intends to grow its fleet of A321XLRs to six aircraft in the coming months, further reinforcing its commitment to offering more convenient travel options to underserved destinations and strengthening its network across the Atlantic.