On 1 February 2001 , Aer Lingus Commuter merged back into the mainline operation . Business was severely affected by the 11 September attacks . In response , the airline cut staff numbers and destinations and reduced its fleet . As a result , it weathered the storm and returned to profit , largely through lowering the airline 's cost base , updating the fleet with modern Airbus equipment and developing new routes to mainland European destinations . Aer Lingus had previously largely neglected mainland Europe in favour of US and British destinations . It positioned itself as competition to the European no-frills airlines while offering intercontinental flights , phased-out Business class travel for short-haul flights , but retained cargo services on a small number of routes
11 September attacks
September 11 attacks
Aer Lingus