Aer Lingus is a national icon for Ireland and the Irish. In 1936, as our fledgling State struggled to establish itself, the national airline was born. And during the dark post-Second World War era of protectionism and isolationism, the airline represented a powerful symbol of contact with the world outside.

The magic of air travel was a potent force as late as the 1960s, when Irish children were routinely brought to Dublin Airport to watch the aircraft on their Holy Communion day. It was also the only place in Dublin where it was possible to buy Coca-Cola from a vending machine, the American dream in a bottle. And when we took delivery of our first Boeing 747 in 1971, 20,000 people turned up to herald its arrival.

In 1996, Aer Lingus was the subject of a major rebranding, with the introduction of the fresh shamrock logo, a softer logotype, and livery that is integral to the brand today. A unique feature of the new corporate Identity is the use of quotes from Irish literature. As Ireland took its place among the developed nations of the world, so Aer Lingus needed to step onto the international stage.

Aer Lingus has announced that it has concluded a deal with Airbus to supply the airline's new European fleet. The deal, which reinforces the transformation of Aer Lingus into a low fares airline, will see the airline transition to a single fleet type for its European operation by the end of 2005 and add 15 new routes to its rapidly expanding network by Summer 2005.

This will bring to 30 the number of new routes opened by Aer Lingus since the end of 2001.

Under the deal Aer Lingus will acquire 17 A320 aircraft of which seven will be purchased outright and ten will be leased from ILFC. Together with the six A321s and four A320s already in the fleet this will mean a total short-haul fleet of 27 Airbus aircraft. The deal also includes options for a further ten A320 aircraft.

Aer Lingus also announced that engine manufacturer, CFM, will provide the engines for the new fleet as part of the proposed deal.

Information obtained from Aer Lingus. For more information, please contact the airline or surf to their website at the Homepage address below.