Aer Lingus has reported a robust operating profit of €135 million for the second quarter of 2025, marking a significant increase from the €91 million profit posted during the same period last year. The performance reflects strong transatlantic demand, strategic Airbus A321XLR fleet investment, and successful North American expansion.
The airline, a subsidiary of International Airlines Group (IAG), has leaned into the capabilities of its new Airbus A321neo-XLR aircraft, taking delivery of a third aircraft EI-XLV (msn 12248) on 17 May. Three additional aircraft are expected to join the fleet by the end of the year.
The A321neo-XLR’s are being used to serve new secondary U.S. destinations, Indianapolis (IND), Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP), Nashville (BNA), a move that has opened new markets beyond the traditional primary airports and also to European and UK destinations during North Atlantic turnarounds maximizing A321XLR utilization.
IAG, in its half-year results, highlighted the strength of the North Atlantic market, particularly between the UK and the U.S., describing it as “one of the world’s largest and most valuable markets.” The Group increased its transatlantic capacity by 1.1% in the first half of 2025, with Aer Lingus playing a key role in that expansion.
Trading in Q1 had already set the tone for a strong 2025, with demand buoyed by a reduction in competitive capacity into Heathrow and strong early performance from the new A321XLR fleet. According to IAG, the fleet has enabled Aer Lingus to “deliver profitable growth” through more direct connectivity and increased route efficiency.
The strategic value of the A321XLR was further underscored by fellow IAG airline Iberia during its June Investor Day. The aircraft, described as a “superb market opener,” offers compelling economics, including total unit costs on par with next-generation widebodies, with fuel cost savings of 20–30%, and a double-digit improvement in passenger unit revenue — especially when deployed to manage seasonal demand and build route frequency.
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 8 August All Rights Reserved
