Aer Lingus Unveils Its New IRFU Aircraft Livery

Aer Lingus today unveiled a newly painted aircraft in ‘IRFU and player’ branding, following the recent announcement of its partnership deal with the IRFU. ‘Green Spirit’, an Airbus A320, registration EI-DEO, was painted especially to promote the new partnership.

Green Spirit will go into service tomorrow (Monday), operating across Aer Lingus’ short haul network to the UK and continental Europe. The aircraft has been given its own hashtag #GreenSpirit. The airline wants to encourage its many customers who spot the aircraft and fly on board to spread the word and share photos.

The partnership will see Ireland’s national airline link up with the Irish rugby team, which has risen to third in the World Rugby rankings after back-to-back RBS 6 Nations Championship wins under the helm of Joe Schmidt and his coaching team.

The three-year deal will see Aer Lingus support the IRFU by flying players, management and support staff around Europe as they compete in the RBS 6 Nations Championships and in other high profile international tournaments.

As part of the new sponsorship agreement, Aer Lingus will paint a second aircraft in similar livery. In addition, four players, one from of each the four Irish provinces will become ‘Aer Lingus Brand Ambassadors’. They will take part in a safety demonstration video which will be shown on board Aer Lingus transatlantic flights.

Celebratory send-offs and homecomings are also planned with the team as they travel to and from this autumn’s Rugby World Cup and Six Nations games.

Commenting on the partnership, Stephen Kavanagh, Chief Executive Officer at Aer Lingus, said: “The livery in IRFU and player branding is a first for Aer Lingus and recognises the contribution sport makes to all our lives.

“The partnership deal with the IRFU forms part of a wider repositioning of the Aer Lingus brand and our commitment to supporting the best of Irish.

“Green Spirit will join the Aer Lingus operation tomorrow and will fly across Europe to some of the sixty destinations we serve. It will be seen by many and not only promotes Aer Lingus but will spread awareness of Irish rugby throughout the continent. We’re delighted to have been given the opportunity to support Irish rugby in this way.”