Fly Atlantic: new ‘game changer’ low-cost airline to offer transatlantic flights from Northern Ireland

A new “game changing” budget airline is set to offer transatlantic flights from Northern Ireland.

Fly Atlantic is planning to start operating flights to Europe and Northern America from summer 2024, and aims to fill a gap in the market as no direct flights currently operate between Belfast to Northern America.

The announcement has been described as a “game changer” and once the airline is fully operational, it intends to operate flights to 35 destinations from Belfast creating thousands of new jobs.

It is expected that 21,000 jobs will be up for grabs by 2030, with that figure including 1,000 jobs created within the airline and up to 21,000 in tourism and support sectors.

Flights will start to go on sale from the beginning of 2024, with the airline to initially operate six aircraft at Belfast International Airport. It then plans to grow to a fleet of 18 by 2028.

Fly Atlantic is in discussion with both Boeing and Airbus over aircraft, with the choice being between the Boeing MAX and the Airbus A321.

The airline’s chief executive Andrew Pyne said it chose Belfast as its base over strong competition across the UK. He explained: “Our vision is of Belfast as a strong aviation hub linking Europe and North America. The lack of direct transatlantic air services has clearly been an impediment to Northern Ireland’s economic and tourism development, which we now intend to remove.

“The project can be a gamechanger. We will be offering affordable fares with brand new aircraft. We already have offices at the airport and will now be building out the infrastructure to support the airline’s launch. We start recruiting for the team early in 2023.

“We looked at many options throughout the UK and Ireland. Belfast International and Vinci stood out in terms of the facilities that they offered us and by their enthusiasm for and commitment to making this project a reality.

“Northern Ireland has a proud aviation and engineering history, and we are delighted to be able to build on this tradition as we develop the airline and its support functions.”

Mr Pyne also acknowledged support received from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, adding it had been “right behind the project from the start”.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Stephen Ross described the airline’s announcement as “fantastic news not only for the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough but for Northern Ireland as a whole”.

He said: “This is a key moment for Northern Ireland and is the most significant local aviation announcement in recent history. Belfast International Airport is the ideal hub for Fly Atlantic to base its operations due to its location, drive, and ability to offer unparalleled experience and routes for passengers.”

Graham Keddie, Managing Director of Belfast International Airport, also welcomed the announcement, adding: “We look forward to them bringing this project to fruition as it would have very real economic benefits for Northern Ireland’s economy and would further enhance our international connectivity.”