JERICHO, NY--(Marketwired - May 04, 2016) - Aer Lingus inaugural flight EI144 to Dublin, Ireland, an Airbus A330-200, named St. Mella, registration EI LAX, took off from Los Angeles LAX at 7:50pm today.

The airline now offers a year round direct service between Los Angeles and Dublin with four services per week.

As friendly as a village and as intimate as a pub, Dublin is a capital city like no other. Dublin is a multi-cultural, creative hub that has evolved to one of the world's greatest cities, producing irresistible stories and intriguing characters that pique interests all over the world. Fly from the West Coast to Ireland's east coast in just 11 hours direct and save time with U.S. Customs and Immigration pre-clearance at Dublin Airport before your return home.

Los Angeles is the first of three new transatlantic routes to commence this summer, marking the single largest expansion of Aer Lingus' transatlantic network since the airline commenced transatlantic flying in 1958. From 1st September direct daily year round flights will start from Newark, New Jersey to Dublin and in late September year-round service from Hartford, Connecticut will begin.

The growth plan underpins Aer Lingus' successful strategy of expanding its Dublin Airport base into a major European transatlantic gateway. The convenience of U.S Customs and Border Protection services at Dublin has enhanced the continued growth of Aer Lingus' Dublin operation as a connecting gateway.

Keith Butler, Chief Commercial Officer, Aer Lingus, said: "We are delighted to commence our new direct service from Los Angeles to Dublin today. Los Angeles is our second US West Coast gateway after the successful launch of San Francisco in 2014. This summer Aer Lingus will operate 28 daily services across the Atlantic. Los Angeles together with future new routes Newark and Hartford will open up new tourism and business opportunities with improved connectivity through our Dublin Gateway."

This new route will not only connect Los Angeles with Ireland but with a range of UK and European cities via connections at Dublin Airport. Guests can continue their journey to Paris, London, Amsterdam, Rome, Manchester, Edinburgh and many other European cities.

Services available to customers on transatlantic flights include pre-clearance U.S. Immigration and Customs at Dublin and Shannon airports, connections to onward destinations across Britain and Continental Europe, hi-speed internet access, an extensive in-flight entertainment selection, gourmet meals including premium economy options and award winning cabin service.

For more information and to book flights to Dublin, visit www.aerlingus.com