Cleveland to Dublin flight has been extended
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The Aer Lingus direct flight from Cleveland to Dublin has been extended through the end of 2027.
Why it matters: You can grab a pint of Guinness at the source or visit the Book of Kells for 18 months longer than was previously expected.
Catch up quick: Aer Lingus launched the direct international flight from Cleveland in 2023 thanks to a minimum revenue guarantee from JobsOhio, city and county governments and the tourism bureau Destination Cleveland.
- The $12 million subsidy is paid to Aer Lingus only if the flight doesn't meet its performance goals.
Context: Subsidies are common for new international routes.
- In 2017, Cleveland offered $1 million to both Wow Airlines and Icelandair for marketing and advertising support as they launched direct flights to Reykjavik.
The latest: The Dublin route appears to be far more successful than the Reykjavik offerings, which were discontinued after only a year.
- JobsOhio has not publicized how much, if any, of the revenue guarantee has been paid to Aer Lingus. That information is proprietary, they say.
Yes, but: No new money is being allocated. The extension, recently authorized by both the Cuyahoga County and Cleveland city councils, merely spreads the funding out over the new term.
What they're saying: "This direct connection strengthens our global relationships, boosts tourism, and creates new business opportunities," County Executive Chris Ronayne tells Axios.
- "It also reflects our commitment to promoting economic growth and cultural exchange."
By the numbers: Roughly 80% of the revenue guarantee ($9.4 million) is provided by JobsOhio.
- Cuyahoga County and the city of Cleveland are providing $825,000 and $600,000, respectively.