Aer Lingus could boost Belfast with HQ move

Should Belfast International Airport become the site for Aer Lingus' new headquarters, as many as 1,000 new jobs could be created as a result, an MP has stated.

According to Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson, the move to Belfast International Airport would be highly beneficial for the local economy as well as for holidaymakers.

Aside from the 1,000 new positions being opened up in the Northern Irish capital, Aer Lingus would also create 15 new routes across Europe and a re-installation of the Belfast to Heathrow link-up would be established.

Mr Donaldson explained: "Aer Lingus is a respected carrier with its eye on growth opportunities in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, the International Airport is growing its business at an impressive rate.

"The two could not be better suited as Aer Lingus seek to expand their United Kingdom operations."

Should Aer Lingus go ahead with its plans to reinstate the link with Heathrow, it will face stiff competition from budget airline bmi which offers customers eight Belfast to Heathrow flights per day.