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Irish Ferries Partners with AsIAm to Offer Discounted Travel for Autistic Passengers
IRISH Ferries has partnered with AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, to offer discounted travel for AsIAm members on all routes. Announcing the news ahead of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, Irish Ferries has confirmed that AsIAm members will now receive: 15% off travel on routes across the Irish
Sea (Dublin/Holyhead, and Rosslare/ Pembroke). 10% off all other routes to France (Dublin/ Cherbourg and Dover/Calais). Nicola Hammond, Irish Ferries Customer Services Manager, said:“In celebration of World Autism Month we are delighted to announce these special discounts for AsIAm members and their family member or carers who travel with them. This latest initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion, ensuring that everyone travelling with Irish Ferries feels cared for, whatever their needs or requirements.” Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said: “We
are proud to partner with Irish Ferries to help make ferry travel more affordable and accessible for our community. Partnerships such as this make a real difference in creating a more inclusive society, ensuring that those with autism, and their families and carers, feel supported, valued, and welcomed.” To avail of the discount, AsIAm members
must: • Book their ferry journey through the Irish Ferries website. • Email
disabilityofficer@irishferries.com and share the booking reference number and a copy of their AsIAm Autism ID card. • Once approved, AsIAm Autism ID card holders will receive the discount, which will be refunded to the payment card used for the booking. One discount can be applied per booking.
EasyJet Launches New Route from City of Derry Airport!
EASYJET, has announced the launch of a new route connecting City of Derry airport to Birmingham. This new service marks the
third addition to easyJet’s City of Derry network in the past year, following the launch of flights to Edinburgh and Liverpool. This expansion enhances domestic
connectivity
between Northern Ireland and important UK cities.
TAP Portugal Opens First International Lounge
TAP Air Portugal and Avianca have hosted a grand opening of their shared Business Class lounge at Miami International Airport. The 6,559-square-foot lounge, located in the South Terminal near gate J4, will be open 24 hours a day for up to 337 passengers on flights from Miami. A wide selection of food and snacks will be offered, along with premium alcoholic beverages, and hot and cold refreshments. The facility features modern restrooms with showers, high-speed Wi- Fi, relaxation areas, dedicated workspaces, and a specially designed children’s play area.
United Receives FAA Approval for Its Initial Starlink-Equipped Flights
UNITED Airlines has received FAA approval for the first aircraft type equipped with Starlink to operate commercially. Flights with Starlink
are set to commence in May, following the FAA’s issuance of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Embraer 175. The
airline
anticipates that the inaugural commercial flight will take place on a United Express Embraer 175, as it continues to roll out this innovative technology. United
plans to complete
approximately 40 regional jet installations each
month, aiming to outfit its entire two- cabin regional fleet— over 300 aircraft—by the end of the year. To evaluate service quality, United will conduct a beta test of the new technology on select flights leading up to the first customer flight in May. “We are collaborating closely with Starlink and the FAA to finalise installations on our regional fleet this year and to provide the best inflight experience available,” stated Grant Milstead, United’s VP of Digital Technology.
The airline will partner with Starlink
to obtain FAA STCs for installing Starlink on every aircraft type in their fleet. According to the FAA,
this approval process may involve design, installation, testing, and submission for approval. The Starlink system enables faster, simpler installations and boasts
improved
reliability and weather resistance. Access to Starlink
will be complimentary for all MileagePlus customers, offering capabilities such as streaming services, shopping, gaming, and more, with Wi-Fi speeds reaching up to 250 megabits per second.
Flights to Birmingham are
set to start on September 1, 2025, with options available on Mondays and Fridays throughout the year - ideal for staycations, visiting friends and family, or conducting business. Birmingham is not just the backdrop for the iconic Peaky Blinders series; it’s a lively city filled with historic and cultural landmarks, a vibrant music and shopping scene,
and home to the renowned Cadbury World. Additionally, easyJet has extended its winter routes from City of Derry airport
Premium Economy Class Now on Flights from Dublin to Dubai
to operate during the summer, providing essential connectivity and more options to Liverpool and Edinburgh all year round.
EMIRATES has announced that it will introduce its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft to Dublin services starting June 25. This update allows passengers travelling to and from Dubai to book the airline’s newest Business Class and Premium Economy seats, in addition to First Class and standard Economy on select flights. Beginning this summer, flights EK161 and EK162
will feature a four-class layout, incorporating 24 Premium Economy seats for the first time. However, the later daily flights (EK163 and EK164) will not include Premium Economy. Premium Economy serves as a bridge between Economy and Business Class, offering a seat pitch of 40 inches compared to the 33 inches found in Economy. The upgrades feature cream leather seating, cushioned footrests, a more extensive menu, wider seats measuring 19.5 inches, and a deeper recline.
NI Airport Named UK’s Most Punctual Airport For Second Year in Row
BELFAST City Airport has been confirmed as the UK’s Most Punctual Airport for the second year in a row, according to the latest data from the Civil Aviation Authority. The airport continues to lead the way with
an exceptional on-time arrivals and departures performance, ranking top across the 25 major UK airports surveyed Mark Beattie, Chief Operating Officer at
Belfast City Airport, commented, “At Belfast City Airport, we are dedicated to offering our passengers a seamless and stress-free experience from the moment they arrive. “This means travellers can enjoy the fastest
start to their journey, spending less time in queues and more time relaxing before their flight. “We understand that time matters and
are proud to provide the efficiency and convenience that our passengers expect, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and service. “Being confirmed as the UK’s most punctual
airport is a testament to our team, who work hard to maximise performance and efficiencies, and it’s their commitment to excellence that has earned Belfast City Airport this accolade for a second year.”
Located just five minutes from Belfast city centre, Belfast City Airport is a quick and seamless travel option for passengers. It currently operates routes to must-see destinations across the UK, Europe and beyond in partnership with its five airline partners, Aer Lingus, British Airways, easyJet, KLM and Loganair, and charter partners Royal Caribbean, Travel Solutions and TUI.
April/May 2025
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