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Aer Lingus Targets Higher Profits With Route Cuts, Job Losses and Premium Economy Plans
Aer Lingus is planning a major restructuring to improve profitability within the IAG Group, including route reductions, job cuts, and, at long last, the introduction of a dedicated Premium Economy cabin.
Although Aer Lingus is profitable, the IAG group targets operating margins of 12-15% for all its airlines. In 2025, the Aer Lingus profit margin was 11.1%. Changes are also needed due to rising fuel costs, transatlantic competition and current economic conditions.
There will be a 6% reduction in flight capacity, which will start to take effect from late September and continue into summer 2027.
Routes that will be discontinued include:
- Dublin to Denver – 28th September 2026
- Dublin to Minneapolis – 24th October 2026
- Dublin to Las Vegas – 3rd December 2026
- Dublin to Split – 29th September 2026
The following routes will become summer-only:
- Dublin to Seattle – 24th October 2026
- Dublin to Frankfurt – 2nd November 2026
- Dublin to Hamburg – 2nd November 2026
- Dublin to Malta – 3rd November 2026
As a result, Aer Lingus says it will require two fewer Airbus A330s and four Airbus A320s during the peak summer 2027 season.
The changes could lead to the loss of 500 staff, 290 of whom are expected to be from the Dublin head office, as well as 70 pilot roles and 140 cabin crew positions. This is a huge loss considering the airline employs 6,000 people.
There was one piece of good news. The Irish Independent initially reported that Premium Economy would finally be coming, though the information has since been removed. The new cabin is expected to be fitted to 10 Airbus A330s from 2027. Now we just need to wait for Aer Lingus to confirm this and release the details.
Link Marriott Bonvoy and Emirates Skywards for 5,000 Bonus Points
Marriott Bonvoy members with a linked Emirates Skywards account who complete one eligible paid Marriott stay by 30th September 2026 can earn 5,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points.
To qualify, register for the promotion and make sure you link your account (or have already linked) before your stay. If you’ve elected to earn Skywards Miles instead of Bonvoy Points on Marriott stays, you won’t qualify unless you switch back to earning points.
You’ll still receive the 5,000-point bonus even without elite status, but reciprocal earning benefits are only available to elite members. Marriott Gold Elite and above earn bonus Bonvoy points on Emirates flights, while Emirates Skywards Silver and above earn bonus Skywards miles on Marriott stays. There are also some extra status-based benefits, from late check-out to priority check-in and boarding.
Before you link your accounts, keep in mind that Marriott has a handful of airline partnerships including United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. Last week, a partnership with Japan Airlines was also announced, which includes yearly JAL FLY ON Points and fast-track Marriott status, depending on your status with each programme. You’ll need to decide which is the most lucrative for you.
You can link and unlink your Marriott account with these airline partnerships, so if this offer has tempted you to switch to Emirates Skywards, you’re not tied to your current choice.
This is an easy way to earn 5,000 bonus points. You could put them towards redeeming a luxury stay or convert them into 1,667 Avios or Flying Blue miles, and there are plenty more options. Points will be credited 2-4 weeks after the promotion ends.
If you think Skywards is the best option to link to your Marriott account, now’s a great time to do it. There’s no reason not to link your Marriott account with an airline loyalty programme.
Register for the promotion here >>>
LIMITED TIME: Avios PizzaExpress Vouchers Can Now Be Used with Restaurant Offers
Until 31st August, Avios PizzaExpress vouchers can be used alongside restaurant offers. Since British Airways announced the option to earn and spend Avios with PizzaExpress last December, this restriction has been one of the biggest drawbacks. PizzaExpress runs some fantastic offers (e.g. 50% off pizza) and paying partly with Avios previously meant missing out, which often made the vouchers not worth using.
You can purchase PizzaExpress vouchers from £5-£250 via Avios.com at a rate of 1,000 Avios = £5. That works out at 0.5p per Avios, which is not great value compared to premium cabin redemptions, though still a good option to have.
As usual, vouchers need to be used at participating restaurants for full or part payment, but not at airports, live music venues and a few other niche venues. Vouchers are single-use and last 6 months.
Remember, you can also earn 3 Avios per £1 spent at PizzaExpress when paying with a pre-registered credit or debit card.
This change makes the vouchers much more flexible. My guess is that this is a trial, and if it goes well, I wouldn’t be surprised if this could become a permanent feature, or at least a regular offer.
