Fly Atlantic, New Belfast-Based Transatlantic Airline Concept

There are plans for a new ultra low cost carrier. I don't think it has much more of a chance of survival than the other concepts we've seen.

Fly Atlantic to launch narrow body transatlantic flights in 2024

Fly Atlantic wants to launch flights between the US and Europe by the summer of 2024. The airline would mostly be based in Northern Ireland.

The plan is based on the present.

• Fly Atlantic would lease either Airbus A321neos or Boeing 737 MAXs to operate flights
• The airline hopes to launch with six planes in 2024, and hopes to have 18 planes by 2028
• The airline hopes to connect both sides of the Atlantic through Belfast; so the airline would not only serve destinations in the United States and Canada, but would also other destinations in Europe
• The airline hopes to serve 35 destinations and employ 1,000 people within the first five years
• The company is currently working on raising money from potential investors, and the project is in the early stages of development
• The CEO of Fly Atlantic is Andrew Pyne, who does have quite a bit of experience in the airline industry, with airlines ranging from WOW Air, to VietJet Air, to TUS Airways

The concept has received support from the local government.

“The Council has been right behind the project from the start. Its commitment and consistent support have been key factors in deciding to base here. We are pleased that the Council shares our vision for Fly Atlantic and for the future of Belfast International as a major hub airport. This is an airline that will deliver greater connectivity and help transmit Northern Ireland’s unique identity to a global audience.” 

The Mayor of Antrium and Newtownabbey is named Stephen Ross.

“The announcement by Fly Atlantic is fantastic news not only for the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough but for Northern Ireland as a whole. Thanks to Fly Atlantic and Belfast International Airport’s unique partnership we will soon be able to offer direct access to worldwide destinations. Improving connectivity is a key part of our Economic Development Strategy and we are delighted that Fly Atlantic has selected Belfast International Airport to become a hub, offering direct flights to North America, UK, and Europe.”

“This is a key moment for Northern Ireland and is the most significant local aviation announcement in recent history. Belfast International Airport is the ideal hub for Fly Atlantic to base its operations due to its location, drive, and ability to offer unparalleled experience and routes for passengers.”

My take on Fly Atlantic’s business model

I would like to be positive and encouraging here, but... has this business model failed enough? If I were to look for investors for a concept, it wouldn't be to start an airline because it's so hard. The low cost carrier model has failed many times. It was over.

There are a few things to think about.

• Sure, the airline can probably make money in the peak summer season, when transatlantic demand is high, but what about winter? Demand craters then…
• The base in Belfast is a unique angle compared to other airlines that have tried similar things; unfortunately Belfast doesn’t have nearly the demand of other major European cities, making the business model even tougher
• Admittedly this would be fantastic for Belfast’s economy and connectivity, and I imagine the airline would get a heck of a deal at the airport, and quite a bit of government support; but still, that doesn’t make this business model work
• While it’s easier to fill a 737 than a 787, narrow body planes have less space for cargo (which has strong demand year-round), and also have more limited range; in other words, the airline likely couldn’t fly to warmer destinations in North America in winter, like Florida, California, Mexico, the Caribbean, etc.
• I suspect this will be yet another one of those airline startups that never comes to fruition

I like Fly Atlantic's livery concept even if I don't get it.

Bottom line

Fly Atlantic is a new airline that wants to be up and running in 24 years. The plan is for the airline to base A321neos and737 MAXs in Northern Ireland and fly them to other destinations in Europe. The concept has failed more times than I can remember.

What do you think about the Fly Atlantic idea?