## Overview Aer Lingus is Ireland’s national airline, connecting the country to destinations across Europe and North America for nearly 90 years[7]. Based in Dublin, it operates a modern fleet of over 50 aircraft and serves close to 100 destinations, playing a strategic role as a hub for transatlantic travel between Europe and North America[3]. Today, it is a key member of the International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns British Airways and Iberia[3][4]. ## History Founded on April 15, 1936, Aer Lingus was established with government support and a modest initial capital of £100,000[3][4]. Its first flight, using a six-seat de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, departed Dublin for Bristol on May 27, 1936, marking the beginning of commercial aviation in Ireland[3][4][8]. The airline quickly expanded, adding London to its network later that year and steadily growing its fleet and route map throughout the 20th century[4][8]. A significant milestone came in 1958, when Aer Lingus launched transatlantic services to New York via Shannon, becoming the 17th airline worldwide to operate scheduled North Atlantic flights[2][5]. This move capitalized on Ireland’s geographic position as a natural gateway between Europe and North America. The airline’s long-haul operations were initially operated by its subsidiary, Aerlínte Éireann, using leased Lockheed Super Constellations[2][5]. ## Key Achievements Aer Lingus has consistently punched above its weight, serving over six million passengers annually despite Ireland’s small population[1]. It was a founding member of the Oneworld alliance in 1999 but left in 2007 following its acquisition by IAG[1][4]. The airline has been a pioneer in fleet modernization, transitioning from propeller-driven aircraft to jets (introducing the Boeing 720 in the