Aer Lingus has announced three new transatlantic routes to Los Angeles, Newark (New Jersey) and Hartford (Connecticut), commencing in 2016.

The IAG-owned carrier said this is the largest single expansion of the airline’s transatlantic services and brings the total number of transatlantic routes to 12.

200 new jobs will be created as a result of the new flights, including pilots, cabin crew and ground staff. The new routes will see a 17% increase in seat capacity in 2016.

Stephen Kavanagh, Chief Executive, said: “The introduction of these three routes will open up new tourism and business opportunities with improved connectivity through our Dublin gateway.”

Flights to LA will depart five days a week from May 2016. Daily flights to Hartford and Newark will commence in September 2016.

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Hartford is one hour outside of New York City and currently has no transatlantic routes.

Commenting on the news, transport minister Paschal Donohoe said: ‘Foremost in the Government’s mind when considering the disposal of the State’s share in Aer Lingus was the benefits that would be delivered for the company as part of IAG. The airline’s ability to enhance connectivity, grow jobs and secure its future was significantly improved under IAG.”

The additional routes are part of the airline’s strategy to turn its Dublin airport base into a major European transatlantic gateway.

The airline has revamped its branding and website since the recent IAG takeover earlier this year. Transatlantic flights have also received a business class upgrade.