Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus (EI/EIN) is set to begin flights from Dublin Airport (DUB/EIDW) to Nashville, Tennesee from Saturday the 12th of April.
With direct connections from 9 UK regional airports and the ability to pre-clear US customs in Dublin the new transatlantic route could hit all the right notes for UK fans looking to visit the home of country music.
The route, which operates four-times-per-week, will be the first to fully take advantage of the Airbus A321XLR’s range which allows Aer Lingus to fly beyond the east coast and futher into the US with a single-aisle airliner.
Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, said: “There has been huge anticipation around this new route on both sides of the Atlantic, with Nashville now one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Nashville’s mass appeal makes it an attractive new destination as Aer Lingus continues to become a bigger airline, flying 22 transatlantic routes this summer and strengthening our position as a leader across the Atlantic.
The new route to Nashville is a milestone for the airline, enabling us to advance our ambitions and reach further into the US, flying to previously unserved markets in North America, including Indianapolis, which commences in May. The new Airbus A321 XLR, with its extended range, and our geographic position on the Western edge of Europe opens up exciting new destinations and opportunities for Aer Lingus, and most importantly for our customers. Aer Lingus’ new Dublin – Nashville route delivers further connectivity through our Dublin Hub, providing a direct connection between Europe and Nashville.”
Nashville has seen an increase in popularity with the current rise in interest of country music in the UK and Ireland with research finding that 71% of Irish adults listen to the genre.
Besides country music, Nshville is also famed for its souther cuisine and is one of the top 30 metro areas to visit in the US.
DeanaIvey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, added:“Nashville and Ireland have long shared deep musical roots, and this new Aer Lingus flight strengthens that connection at an exciting time for our city. We look forward to welcoming visitors from the UK and Ireland to experience Music City’s exceptional music, acclaimed dining and vibrant culture.”
