It appears Aer Lingus won’t award the contract for its regional services to Stobart Air when it runs out in 2022.
Stobart Air operates the Kerry Dublin PSO route, among others, on behalf of Aer Lingus Regional.
It’s believed Stobart has told staff it hasn’t been selected as the preferred bidder; its contract ends in December 2022.
Emerald Airlines, a new carrier backed by aviation entrepreneur Conor McCarthy, looks set to take over the Aer Lingus regional contract.
It’s believed Emerald Airlines is to enter exclusive talks with Aer Lingus to operate the regional service for 10 years from January 2023.