This expansion brings to 25 the number of new routes introduced already in 2007 from Dublin (DUB), Cork (ORK) and Bristol (BRS) and represents a 10% increase in short haul capacity supporting the airline's growing European operation both to and from Ireland.

Announcing the expansion, Chief Executive, Dermot Mannion said, "Today's announcement marks the continued development of Aer Lingus with a focus on growing both our long haul and short haul network. Moreover, it reaffirms Aer Lingus' commitment to providing direct, low fares access for Irish customers to new destinations as well as providing real growth opportunities in inbound tourism from emerging markets. This development is testament to the fact that Aer Lingus' service is second to none both at home and abroad and we will continue to deliver on our proposition of low fares and greater choice of new destinations to convenient city airports for our customers."

Special introductory one - way fares excluding taxes and charges are as follows:

• Dublin to Ibiza EUR 45
• Cork to Jersey EUR 19

The four times weekly (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat) service to Lisbon (LIS) will offer affordable fares from GBP 38.98 return (including taxes) and the airline expects to carry 43,000 passengers during the first 12 months of operation, all contributing towards the 41 million passengers that the airline expects to carry in 2008.

Lisbon, situated on the north banks of the River Tagus, is a striking city of rich cultural heritage, renovated palaces, magnificent churches and an impressive castle. Its eclectic blend of culture and architecture, with cobble stoned narrow streets full of Art Nouveau cafés, tempting restaurants, museums of ancient and modern art and the energetic nightlife in the Bairro Alto, makes it a truly fascinating city.

Titus Johnson, Air Berlin Country Manager for United Kingdom and Ireland, said: "Munich is the ninth Air Berlin direct German destination from the United Kingdom and reinforces our position as the number 1 'value added' choice for travel to Germany. This is an important new route which many of our customers have been waiting for."

Flights depart from London Stansted (STN) at 08:20 in the morning and 19:15 in the evening from Monday to Friday. On Saturday flights for Munich (MUC) depart at 08:20 in the morning and on Sunday at 19:15 in the evening.

Fares to Munich start from as little as GBP 24 one-way, including all taxes, allocated seats, complimentary inflight sandwiches, soft drinks, newspapers and top bonus frequent flyer awards.