dnata Catering & Retail has expanded its long-term collaboration with Aer Lingus, launching a new inflight retail programme that aims to enhance the overall passenger journey. This agreement builds on dnata’s existing hub catering services and introduces a five-year onboard retail contract, covering more than 180 daily flights. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering a modern, seamless, and data-driven travel experience.
The expansion demonstrates how airlines and service providers are adapting to evolving passenger expectations. By integrating high-quality catering with innovative retail solutions, dnata ensures that every Aer Lingus traveler enjoys a more convenient, engaging, and enjoyable journey.
Strengthening the Partnership
dnata has been a trusted partner of Aer Lingus for years, providing catering services that meet high standards of quality and consistency. The launch of the new inflight retail programme signifies the next stage in this relationship. The agreement allows dnata to handle both catering and onboard retail, creating a unified and smooth experience for passengers.
With this expansion, Aer Lingus can provide travelers with a curated selection of products, ranging from duty-free items to travel essentials. The integration of catering and retail ensures that passengers can enjoy meals and shop onboard without interruptions, making the flight experience more enjoyable and stress-free.
A Data-Driven Retail Experience
One of the most notable features of the new programme is its focus on data-driven retail. By leveraging advanced analytics, dnata can understand passenger preferences and buying patterns. This allows the airline to offer personalized product recommendations and tailored promotions, ensuring that each traveler receives a relevant and convenient shopping experience.
The data-driven approach enhances passenger satisfaction by making onboard shopping easier and more meaningful. Passengers no longer need to browse through every product to find what they want; instead, they are presented with selections that match their preferences, making the inflight retail journey more enjoyable.
Coverage Across 180+ Daily Flights
The new inflight retail programme spans more than 180 Aer Lingus daily flights, ensuring consistency across both short-haul and long-haul journeys. This extensive coverage reflects dnata’s ability to manage complex operations efficiently, from logistics and inventory management to customer engagement.
Passengers on every route can expect the same high-quality service, with products available in sufficient quantity and delivered with precision. This uniformity guarantees that travelers can rely on a seamless shopping and dining experience regardless of the flight duration or destination.
Enhancing Passenger Experience
The combination of catering and retail services allows Aer Lingus to elevate the overall travel experience. Passengers can enjoy high-quality meals while exploring a curated selection of products, all designed to enhance comfort and convenience during their journey. Real-time data insights help optimize product offerings, ensuring that the inflight service feels modern, personalized, and relevant.
This approach not only improves passenger satisfaction but also strengthens Aer Lingus’ position in a competitive airline market. By investing in the passenger experience, the airline can differentiate itself and build lasting loyalty among travelers.
Long-Term Commitment
The five-year contract demonstrates the commitment of both dnata and Aer Lingus to delivering excellence over the long term. This partnership reflects a shared vision for continuous improvement and innovation in inflight services. By combining expertise in catering, logistics, and retail, dnata ensures that Aer Lingus passengers benefit from high-quality service and a memorable travel experience.
This long-term collaboration allows for consistent planning, operational efficiency, and innovation. It also provides Aer Lingus with the confidence that their inflight services will remain modern, competitive, and aligned with passenger expectations for years to come.

Industry Implications
The launch of dnata’s new inflight retail programme signals broader trends in the aviation industry. Airlines are increasingly recognizing the importance of enhancing onboard experiences through personalization and technology. By integrating retail with catering, Aer Lingus sets an example of how airlines can add value to the passenger journey while generating additional revenue streams.
Passengers today expect more than just transportation from airlines. They look for convenience, engagement, and personalization. The new programme shows how strategic partnerships can meet these expectations, creating a more holistic travel experience that combines quality meals, curated products, and tailored promotions.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the dnata and Aer Lingus partnership is expected to continue shaping the inflight experience. With technology, data, and customer-centric strategies at the forefront, the airline can offer passengers more relevant shopping options, better service, and an overall enhanced journey.
The partnership also sets a benchmark for other airlines considering how to modernize their onboard services. By combining catering excellence with innovative retail solutions, dnata and Aer Lingus demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that meets the evolving needs of modern travelers.
Conclusion
dnata’s expanded partnership with Aer Lingus represents a major step forward in inflight services. The integration of catering and retail, supported by data-driven insights, provides passengers with a seamless, personalized, and enjoyable travel experience across more than 180 daily flights.
The five-year contract reflects both companies’ commitment to innovation, quality, and passenger satisfaction. Aer Lingus travelers can now expect a modern onboard journey where every meal and shopping experience is designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and enjoyment. This collaboration not only benefits passengers but also strengthens Aer Lingus’ competitive position, setting a new standard for inflight excellence.
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