CityJet vs Aer Lingus | Which Airline Is Best for Your Next Trip?

Do you want to explore the beauty of Ireland? Discover the ultimate guide to CityJet vs Aer Lingus Airlines. And unlock a memorable trip to Western Europe.

Choosing an Airline in Europe is a task. Travel destinations can help you in selecting the right airline. Want to be with friends on a regional Europe trip? Or do you want to experience some amazing transatlantic flights? The solution is here.

This article will give a definitive guide to the CityJet and Aer Lingus Airline. So, once you’ll know about the flight comfort, routes, and pricing, you’ll choose smartly.

Let’s get started with an in-depth overview of both airlines.

Overview: CityJet vs Aer Lingus

CityJet is a brand of Ireland Airlines, with headquarters in Dublin.  Pat Byrne owns the CityJet. 

The Airline has faced many different situations. Thus, it stopped working under the name of its own brand. However, the CityJet became a major wet lease provider.

A wet lease means that CityJet gives its planes along with the crew to another airline for flights.

For example, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, and Scandinavian Airlines have a wet lease contract with it. Thus, CityJet is more popular among the flights within the regions of  Western Europe.

In contrast, Aer Lingus is the largest national airline in Ireland. It has key destinations in North America, Britain, and Europe. However, the Airline faced some challenges in June 2024. But they managed the situation by leasing Airbus A320 and Boeing 777. 

Also, Aer Lingus gives the experience of both short and long-hour flights. So, both options of European and transatlantic flights are available. Thus, according to the 2023 AirHelp Score,

“Aer Lingus is at 40 positions among the best airlines in the world.”

Key Differences: CityJet vs Aer Lingus

1.Route Network and destinations: CityJet vs Aer Lingus

CityJet has not given any of its flights since 2018. But by wet leasing services, it takes flight from Dublin to many cities like:

CityJet operated flights from Dublin to several key locations, including:

• London City Airport (UK)
• Paris (France)
• Antwerp (Belgium)

Moreover, most people of Irelands take their key flight from Dublin to London City. Thus, it connects locals to major cities in the UK.

In contrast,  Aer Lingus has a large network of 93 destinations in the world. The key destinations include Asia, Europe, and North America.

Aer Lingus focuses on European exploration. Also, it connects Ireland to Europe and transatlantic America. The most popular routes and destinations are:

• London is an important route for both business tours and tourists.
• New York is the busiest transatlantic destination.
• Paris, France is the major destination for vacation and business trips.
• Toronto, Canada makes them the strong Irish community for business traveling.
• Barcelona, Spain is the most famous destination in Europe.

2. Comfort & Fleet Size: CityJet vs Aer Lingus

CityJet uses 20 Bombardier CRJ900. These planes can accommodate 88-90 passengers. In addition, these planes work under the Scandinavian Airlines. 

Secondly, 5 Bombardier CRJ1000 are also being used by Aer Lingus. Thus, these planes have the capacity of 100 passengers. Moreover, these planes work for Lufthansa Airlines.

Thirdly, CityJet’s Sukhoi Superjet 100 gives a comfortable experience for short flights.

CRJ aircrafts have the title of approval from Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Also, they are ideal for short hour regional flights. Thus, they provide comfortable seating to passengers during flights.

Aer Lingus covers both national and international flights. So, it uses the largest fleet of 56 planes. The Fleet includes the following Airbuses:

• A320-200
• A330-200
• A320neo
• A321LR
• A321XLR

In brief, all planes are reliable for short-hour flights. Thus, they provide comfortable seating and better fuel efficiency. But Airbus A330-200 and A321XLR work best for long-hour transatlantic flights.

3. Flight schedules and Flexibility

CityJet has no fixed flight schedule. The reason is their contract of wet leasing. So, its flight timings depend upon its partners.

On the other hand, Aer Lingus has very scheduled flights. Moreover, they have multiple flights from Dublin to London Heathrow and other major cities.

4. Flight Pricing: Is one cheaper than the other?

Both airlines CityJet vs Aer Lingus have major price differences. Generally the CityJet has more affordable rates. The reason is that they fly within regions and take short hour flights.

In contrast, Aer Lingus gives more premium services on long-hour international flights. That’s why the rates are higher.

Let’s have a look at the estimated price comparison of both airlines.

5. In-flight experience, Customer Reviews and Rating

CityJet

According to the Skytrax survey,

“CityJet is a 3-Star airline based on the customer reviews and services.”

The CityJet has very minimal in-flight entertainment. So, customers need to bring their devices and entertainment stuff with them. Let’s look at the review ratings.

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus is the first Airline of Ireland who has received a lot of appreciation in the world.

According to the Skytrax World Airline,

“Aer Lingus is ranked as the 4-star airline based on its customer reviews and high-quality services.”

Thus, Aer Lingus has mixed feedback from customers. The people have appreciated it for quality staff, services, and entertainment. However, it has also received criticism related to baggage handling.

Let’s look at the review ratings.

Pros and Cons

CityJet

Pros:

• Focus on short-hours flights within European regions.
• Gives wet Leasing Services
• Use CRJ900 and CRJ1000 for better comfortable flights.
• Quick check-in and boarding service.
• Excellent staff.

Cons:

• Limited Destinations.
• Minimal services.
• No in-flight entertainment and more meal options.
• Limited operations in a year.

Aer Lingus

Pros:

• Large network of international and transatlantic destinations.
• Premium services in business class.
• Good in-flight experience.
• Traditional services.
• Loyalty programs for frequent flyers.

Cons:

• Higher cost.
• Inconsistent service quality on different routes.
• Additional fees for baggage.
• Limited Domestic or regional destinations.
• Operational delays like many airlines.

Final Verdict

If you are living in Ireland or traveling to Ireland, CityJet vs Aer Lingus is common. So, choose wisely according to your travel needs. CityJet is ideal for short-hour flights with minimal services. However, Aer Lingus is for comfort seekers who take international flights.

So, hurry up to visit your favorite destinations in Ireland and around the world.

FAQS

Does CityJet have a wet lease agreement with Aer Lingus?

Yes, CityJet provides wet-leasing services to Aer Lingus. Thus, Aer Lingus uses its plane Avro RJ85 and the crew of CityJet. These planes take flights from Dublin to London more commonly. This agreement is called the ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance Services).

What happened to CityJet?

CityJet faced many challenges. The airline started its services in 1992. However, due to some industrial issues, it stopped its brand. Thus, CityJet started giving wet-leasing services in 2018 for many European Airlines.

Does Aer Lingus fly to the United States? 

Yes, Aer Lingus has many popular destinations in the US. Thus, it connects Dublin with many cities in Ireland and then to the US. The major cities of US destinations include New York, Boston, Los Angeles, etc.

What is Aer Lingus Aerclub? 

Aer Lingus Aerclub gives the opportunity to earn points. It is a frequent flyer program of Aer Lingus. Therefore, customers can earn and use rewards such as free flights and discounts.