Inflight service provider, Dnata Catering & Retail, has launched Aer Lingus’ new inflight retail programme, strengthening its long-term partnership with the Irish flag carrier.
The agreement covers a five-year inflight retail contract alongside the remaining five-year contract for Dnata’s hub catering services. The expanded retail operations cover over 180 Aer Lingus flights daily across its Dublin, Shannon, Cork, and Manchester bases and will serve more than 10.5 million customers annually.
Under this new partnership, Dnata is responsible for the full management of the retail programme, from product sourcing and procurement, to warehousing and technology provision.
Aer Lingus customers can browse Bia, the airline’s onboard magazine digitally before their flight and purchase featured products directly on board. The initiative is powered by Dnata’s integrated retail technology ecosystem, which enables contactless payments, real-time data analytics, and self-serve reporting capabilities.
The new inflight retail range focuses on a local Irish and international brands. Customers can look forward to products from local companies such as Sculpted by Aimee, Tan Organic, BPerfect, and The Smooth Company, alongside Deli-Lites, which provides freshly made sandwiches and wraps.
The launch coincides with Aer Lingus’ festive season menu, featuring seasonal products such as the festive turkey and stuffing sandwich, Christmas cheese and cracker box, as well as holiday-themed gift items.
Adrian Dunne, chief operations officer at Aer Lingus, said of the programme: “The addition of inflight retail to the existing partnership we have with Dnata will drive significant operational benefits, whilst enhancing our customer experience at the same time. The programme will be delivered via a new crew iOS app, which will allow for a data-driven product range tailored to our customers’ preferences and proudly showcasing a wide selection of Irish brands.”
