Aer Lingus prepares for takeoff with E2m brand refresh

Aer Lingus plans a rebrand this year that is likely to cost the Irish airline less than E2m. The Irish carrier, which is part of the Willie Walsh-led International Consolidated Airlines Group, will later this year begin taking delivery of the nine A321LR aircraft that it has ordered from Airbus. It is also planning an extensive rebrand involving some changes to its shamrock logo, aircraft livery and uniforms. Aer Lingus is due to give details of the changes next week. While sources estimate that such an extensive rebrand could cost up to E20m to complete, including repainting its fleet, it is understood that it will cost Aer Lingus less than E2m. Repainting the airline’s 50-odd aircraft would be the most expensive element of the exercise. However, the new A321LRs will come in the new livery, while the others will be repainted as this falls due to be done as part of their normal maintenance schedule, so Aer Lingus would be paying for this work as a matter of course. Safety rules require aircraft to be repainted regularly in order to protect them from corrosion and the elements.<br/>