Dnata Catering & Retail has strengthened its long-running collaboration with Aer Lingus with the launch of the airline’s new inflight retail programme, expanding the partnership to include a five-year retail contract alongside the remaining five years of dnata’s hub catering agreement.
The expanded scope reflects Aer Lingus’ confidence in dnata’s operational capability across catering, retail and integrated technology.
The new retail operations now cover more than 180 Aer Lingus flights daily from its bases in Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Manchester. Under the agreement, dnata will manage the inflight retail programme end to end, including sourcing, procurement, warehousing and technology provision. The partnership will continue to evolve with new browsing and personalisation features, with the product range shaped by customer feedback to enhance the inflight shopping experience.
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.”
The refreshed range showcases a curated mix of local Irish and international names, reflecting Aer Lingus’ signature hospitality. Travellers can expect homegrown favourites including Sculpted by Aimee, Tan Organic, BPerfect and The Smooth Company, together with Deli-Lites supplying freshly made Irish sandwiches and wraps. The launch also coincides with Aer Lingus’ festive season menu, featuring seasonal dishes such as a turkey and stuffing sandwich, a Christmas cheese and cracker box and holiday-themed gift items.
Passenger insight will continue to play a central role in shaping the evolving offer, ensuring the range reflects customer tastes while championing Irish products. To support convenience and pre-engagement, customers can browse the onboard magazine “Bia” digitally before flying and purchase featured items on board. The programme is powered by dnata’s integrated retail technology ecosystem, enabling contactless payment, real-time data analytics and self-serve reporting to support Aer Lingus in operational and commercial planning.

Its DF shopping includes a mix of local Irish and international names, including homegrown favourite Sculpted by Aimee (right).
Adrian Dunne, Chief Operations Officer, 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.”
The new retail experience will reach more than 10.5 million Aer Lingus passengers annually, offering a refreshed onboard proposition and further opportunities for innovation across both catering and retail.
Dnata’s catering and retail division employs more than 10,400 staff globally and produces over 110 million meals per year, supporting full-service, low-cost and VIP carriers from more than 60 locations worldwide.
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