Aer Lingus â a member of International Airlines Group (a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub) â has launched a new inflight retail programme in partnership with dnata Catering & Retail. The agreement covers a five-year inflight retail contract alongside the remaining five-year contract of dnataâs hub catering services. The expanded retail operations cover over 180 Aer Lingus flights daily across Dublin, Shannon, Cork, and Manchester bases.
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. The collaboration will continue to evolve, introducing new ways for customers to browse and personalise their onboard shopping, with the range shaped by feedback to reflect passenger preferences and enhance the inflight experience.
âThe 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,â said Adrian Dunne, Chief Operations Officer, Aer Lingus. âThe programme will be delivered via a new crew iOS app, which will allow for a data-driven product range tailored to our customersâ preferences and proudly showcasing a wide selection of Irish brands.â
The new inflight retail range showcases a thoughtfully curated mix of local Irish and international brands. Customers can look forward to homegrown favourites such as Sculpted by Aimee, Tan Organic, BPerfect, and The Smooth Company, alongside Deli-Lites, which provides freshly made Irish sandwiches and wraps. The launch coincides with Aer Lingusâ festive season menu, featuring seasonal favourites.
âThis partnership takes our collaboration with Aer Lingus to the next level â uniting our expertise in catering, retail, and technology to create an exceptional onboard experience,â said Robin Padgett, CEO, dnata Catering & Retail. âTogether, weâre delivering a modern, data-driven retail programme that celebrates Irish brands, improves efficiency, and enhances passenger choice.â
Looking ahead, customer feedback will play a central role in shaping the evolving onboard range, ensuring future offerings continue to reflect customer tastes and the best of Irish hospitality.
