Belfast Airlines is to be repositioned as a global gateway to transatlantic travel with the establishment of new airline Fly Atlantic. With a vision to repurpose Belfast International Airport as a gateway between North America and Europe using low-fare, non-stop dlights, Fly Atlantic is going to redefine Northern Ireland’s air travel. Well-funded, well-planned, and job-generating, Fly Atlantic will redefine Northern Ireland’s air travel.
The Vision Behind Fly Atlantic
Fly Atlantic’s long-term vision is to bridge the existing gap in interconnectivity between Belfast and principal European and North American cities. Fly Atlantic aims to provide low-cost, direct travel to enable comfortable international air commuting for tourists as well as businesspeople.
The new airline company will provide long-haul flights that will trigger tourism, trade, and economic development in the area. This will position Belfast in the middle of the aviation industry and be a route option to existing airlines.
Fleet and Routes
Fly Atlantic begins operations in summer 2024 with six planes. The airline is in talks with the big airplane manufacturers to decide whether it will fly Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A321 planes, both of which are fuel-efficient and suitable for long-distance travel.
Fly Atlantic will have 18 planes in its fleet by 2028, operating to around 35 North American and European destinations. Among the routes being considered are:
- Direct flights between Belfast and other major US cities such as New York, Boston, and Toronto.
- Hubs to major cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt.
- Long-haul operations to Caribbean and Middle Eastern destinations.
- The expansion will not only enhance the travel opportunities but also reduce the need for passengers to have to transfer from other UK airports.
Economic Growth and Employment Creation
Fly Atlantic’s entry will be highly economical for Northern Ireland. Fly Atlantic will create about 250 pilot, cabin staff, and ground personnel positions in phase one. Belfast International Airport will also receive additional opportunities with about 50 new positions to be created in the first place.
In the coming years, Fly Atlantic’s activities will be directed towards generating 1,000 direct staff members within a period of five years and thousands of indirect staff members in the service industry and tourist-oriented industries. More than 21,000 jobs, the airline business in the year 2030 will be directed towards generating by boosting the economy of the region, enhancing long-term stability in the region.
Support of Key Stakeholders
Fly Atlantic has also received excellent backing from Belfast International Airport and city authorities. The relocation has been welcomed enthusiastically by business leaders and aviation industry experts as a game-changer for Northern Ireland’s connectivity, anticipating to attract more foreign direct investment and tourism.
Belfast International Airport expansion to meet the needs of the new airline and a greater number of passengers is under planning.
Conclusion:
The arrival of Fly Atlantic is starting a new chapter in the history of Belfast’s aviation. By providing low-fare and direct transatlantic flights, the airline will transform customers’ travel experience and enhance economic growth in Northern Ireland. With a strong strategic plan and focus on quality, Fly Atlantic will establish Belfast as a significant world gateway.