Aer Lingus said today the delivery of two new aircraft in mid-2007 would lead to a 28 per cent boost in its long-haul capacity and help it develop its presence in the United States market.
Aer Lingus, which is the target of a takeover by Ryanair, said it would add 26 long-haul flights a week following delivery of two Airbus A330s next May and June.
The new aircraft would increase the long haul fleet from seven to nine, and bring to 120 the total number of long haul flights operated weekly to and from the US and Middle East.
Chief executive Dermot Mannion said the airline was looking forward to a timely decision on an "Open Skies" aviation services deal between the European Union and the United States that would allow the airline to fly into an unlimited number of US cities.
Talks on the agreement became bogged down earlier this year, disrupting hopes for a conclusion by year-end.
Aer Lingus, which listed on the stock market last month, has realigned itself as a low-fares carrier and has staked its future on the success of its long-haul strategy.