dnata Catering & Retail has introduced Aer Lingus’ new inflight retail programme as part of a new, five-year contract.
The retail contract will operate alongside the remaining five-year contract between Aer Lingus and dnata for catering services.
The expanded retail operations cover more than 180 daily Aer Lingus flights from bases in Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Manchester.
The new programme will serve more than 10.5 million Aer Lingus passengers annually, offering a refreshed onboard experience and new opportunities for innovation across both retail and catering.
Under the 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 evolve, introducing new ways for passengers to browse and personalise their onboard shopping. The range will be shaped by feedback to reflect passenger preferences and enhance the inflight experience.
The new inflight retail range showcases a curated mix of local Irish and international brands, reflecting Aer Lingus’ signature warmth and hospitality.
Customers can look forward to the likes of Sculpted by Aimee, Tan Organic, BPerfect, The Smooth Company and Deli-Lites’ sandwiches and wraps.
The Aer Lingus’ festive season menu will feature favourites such as the turkey and stuffing sandwich, a Christmas cheese and cracker box and holiday-themed gift items.
Passengers can browse the onboard magazine Bia digitally before flying and purchase featured products directly onboard.
The initiative is powered by dnata’s integrated retail technology ecosystem, enabling contactless payments, real-time data analytics and self-serve reporting capabilities that support Aer Lingus in driving data-led decisions and operational efficiency.
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.
Robin Padgett, CEO of dnata Catering & Retail, said: “This partnership takes our collaboration with Aer Lingus to the next level – uniting our expertise in catering, retail and technology to create an exceptional onboard experience. Together, we’re delivering a modern, data-driven retail programme that celebrates Irish brands, improves efficiency, and enhances passenger choice.”
Adrian Dunne, Chief Operations Officer at Aer Lingus, said: “The 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. The programme will be delivered via a new crew iOS app, which will allow for a data-driven product range tailored to our customers’ preferences and proudly showcasing a wide selection of Irish brands.”
