After a successful demonstration flight and following the completion of rigorous inspections by the Irish Aviation Authority, Emerald Airlines has secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), officially becoming Ireland’s newest airline.

Commenting on the announcement, Conor McCarthy, Founder and CEO of Emerald Airlines, said: “Being granted the first AOC in Ireland since the pandemic is not only a major milestone in our journey as an airline but a significant one for the Irish Aviation industry as it begins its recovery following the worst crisis in its history.

"We are now able to progress towards the launch of scheduled services, which will be rolled out progressively as our aircraft are delivered and market conditions allow. We will be working very closely with Aer Lingus on this now that we have our AOC in place.  I would like to thank all at the IAA [Irish Aviation Authority] for their invaluable support throughout this process.”  

Emerald Airlines recently announced that it has entered into a franchise agreement with Aer Lingus which will commence on 1 January 2023 for a period of ten years for the operation of Aer Lingus Regional flights. Although the contract is not due to commence for 17 months, Emerald Airlines continues to work closely with Aer Lingus to evaluate options with respect to an earlier contract start date.

Emerald Airlines has been assigned the callsign GEMSTONE and EAI as its three-letter designator by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Also see BTN 30 August Emerald Airlines takes first aircraft.

www.emeraldairlines.com