Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus has announced its greatest ever capacity to North America as part of its summer 2020 routes.

It will also fly four new European routes - two of which will be new direct routes to Italy: Brindisi, Puglia and Alghero, Sardinia.

Explaining the move, the company says: "Italy continues to be one of the most popular European destinations for Irish sun-seekers and city breakers.

"Those in search of an Italian adventure in 2020 will be pleased that Aer Lingus has added its 10th and 11th routes into the country, direct from Dublin."

Next summer will see increased capacity from Dublin to the US and Canada - with 1.9 million seats on sale to transatlantic destinations.

Orlando, Florida will move from a four flights per week service to six flights, the Miami service will increase from two to three flights per week, and Dublin to Seattle will move to a daily service.

The IAG-owned carrier says fleet upgrades will also see some direct routes get greater capacity - such as Los Angeles, Washington DC and Minneapolis St Paul.

Image: Aer Lingus

These routes will soon be serviced by the larger Airbus A330 aircraft.

And by summer 2020, Aer Lingus says it will have replaced the full Boeing 757 fleet with four news Airbus A321 neo LR aircraft - which will operate with over 20% greater fuel efficiency.

Passengers flying from Cork will also see a busy summer schedule, as Aer Lingus says it will continue to service destinations including Alicante, Malaga, Faro and Nice.

In relation to Belfast, the airline says it will "continue to operate a high frequency daily schedule from Belfast City Airport to London Heathrow."

David Shepherd, chief commercial officer at Aer Lingus, says: "We are thrilled to offer Irish guests even more ways to explore Europe with the addition of two new direct routes from Dublin to Italy - Brindisi, Puglia and Alghero in Sardinia - and our new routes from Shannon direct to Paris and Barcelona.

"Our ambition for the future of Aer Lingus is underpinned by a profitable, sustainable short-haul network and our summer 2020 schedule is testament to this commitment."

"Transatlantic growth continues to be our priority, and this is being realised in 2020 with the increased frequency and capacity on many direct routes from Dublin."

The Dublin to Brindisi, Puglia service commences on May 23rd 2020 - while Dublin to Alghero, Sardinia begins on May 24th.

Last week, the airline also announced new direct routes from Shannon Airport to Paris and Barcelona.