Aer Lingus, pursuing sixth freedom strategy, seeks trans-Atlantic joint venture

Aer Lingus is finding success in its current hybrid model of connecting long-haul North American traffic to European points via its hubs in Shannon and Dublin, replicating a strategy from unaligned carrier Icelandair. Both are understood to have 80% of long-haul traffic travel beyond their respective home country, but Aer Lingus will break with Icelandair's mold by joining a trans-Atlantic joint venture by 2013 in order to boost traffic and profitability. If successful, this is the first time an unaligned carrier will join one of the joint ventures that are spearheaded by global alliances and dominate North Atlantic traffic.

The carrier not a newcomer to alliance dealings, having previously dabbled with them. Aer Lingus pulled out of the oneworld alliance in 2006 and established a limited joint venture with United Airlines for the Irish carrier's Madrid-Washington Dulles route. Most recently the carrier ended negotiations with the three global alliances, saying instead a joint-venture gives it revenue boosts but also freedom to make further partnerships. The new strategy comes as the Irish government and Ryanair look to sell their stakes.