Aer Lingus has announced Irish boxing icon Katie Taylor as its new brand ambassador, strengthening the connection between two of Ireland’s most recognisable global success stories as the airline celebrates its 90th anniversary.
The partnership brings together the national carrier and one of Ireland’s most accomplished athletes, both of whom have spent years representing the country on the international stage while maintaining strong ties to home.
As part of the collaboration, Aer Lingus will fly Taylor home to Ireland ahead of her highly anticipated fight at Croke Park in Dublin on September 5, a bout that is expected to attract significant attention from boxing fans around the world.
A Shared Irish Identity
The airline said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ambition, resilience and representing Ireland globally.
Since launching operations in 1936 with a single aircraft, one route and five passengers, Aer Lingus has grown into one of Europe’s leading airlines, connecting Ireland with destinations across Europe, the United Kingdom and North America.
Today, the carrier operates more than 100 routes from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Ireland West Airport. In 2026, Aer Lingus will serve 24 direct routes between Ireland and North America, including new services to Raleigh-Durham and Pittsburgh.
For Taylor, the airline has played an important role throughout her professional career, particularly since relocating to the United States nearly a decade ago.
The Bray-born boxer said Aer Lingus has remained a powerful symbol of home during her years abroad.
“Aer Lingus has been a key part of my life, but especially since I moved to the USA. Their famous shamrock has been a true symbol of home for me, and my family and friends have been able to visit me regularly thanks to this airline,” Taylor said.
“This is an extremely important announcement for me, and to be partnering with such an iconic brand that represents everything about home for me is truly something special.”
One of Ireland’s Greatest Sporting Success Stories
Taylor is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern boxing and is credited with helping transform the profile of women’s boxing around the world.
Her achievements include winning Olympic gold at the London 2012 Games, where she represented Ireland after playing a pivotal role in securing women’s boxing’s inclusion in the Olympic programme.
Her amateur career produced five World Championship titles, six European titles and ten Irish National Championships, establishing her as one of the most decorated boxers of her generation.
As a professional, Taylor has continued to make history, becoming an undisputed world champion in both the lightweight and super-lightweight divisions. Her record-breaking fights have helped elevate women’s boxing to unprecedented levels of global visibility and commercial success.
Celebrating Irish Achievement
Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer at Aer Lingus, described Taylor as a symbol of determination and progress.
She said the boxer’s influence extends beyond sporting achievements, noting that Taylor fundamentally changed perceptions of women’s boxing and inspired audiences worldwide.
Carberry also drew parallels between Taylor’s journey and Aer Lingus’ own history of growth and ambition, highlighting how both have represented Ireland internationally while remaining deeply connected to home.
The new partnership will see Aer Lingus support Taylor throughout her ongoing career while celebrating her contribution to Irish sport and her impact on Irish communities around the world.
As the airline marks nine decades of connecting Ireland with the world, the collaboration underscores the enduring importance of Irish identity, achievement and global connection that both Aer Lingus and Katie Taylor continue to represent.
