Aer Lingus Partners with Dr Norah Patten as She Prepares to Become the First Irish Person in Space

Aer Lingus has announced a landmark partnership with Dr Norah Patten, the Irish aeronautical engineer set to make history as the first Irish person in space.

In a move that celebrates both innovation and inspiration, the airline will support Norah on her journey to the stars, strengthening its ties to science, exploration, and national pride.

A longtime advocate for STEM education and a role model for aspiring young scientists, Norah has spent years preparing for this moment.

Her current mission involves cutting-edge research and training through the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), in collaboration with Canadian institutions like the National Research Council.

There, she works alongside fellow researchers Dr Shawna Pandya and Kellie Gerardi, undertaking everything from spacesuit evaluations to high-G flight simulations.

Aer Lingus will play a vital role in enabling Norah’s travel between Ireland and North America, the epicentre of her rigorous training and spaceflight preparation, through a two-year partnership.

Dr Norah Patten said: “My mission to become the first Irish person in space is a huge undertaking and I’m grateful to Aer Lingus for their support on my journey. As the flag carrier of Ireland, Aer Lingus has long inspired people to travel and to explore new destinations. This partnership with Aer Lingus will enable me to travel seamlessly to North America to continue my practical preparation and research, with each step bringing me closer to making this dream a reality. Together, I hope we can ignite the imaginations of young dreamers, encouraging them to undertake their own adventures – wherever they may be.”

It’s a fitting alliance: both Norah and Aer Lingus are in the business of breaking boundaries and connecting people across continents.

Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, said: “At Aer Lingus, our mission is to connect people, places, and possibilities—and Dr Norah Patten’s extraordinary journey to become the first Irish person in space is the perfect embodiment of that spirit. Her determination proves that with ambition, dedication, and the ability to dream big, anything is possible. We are immensely proud to support Norah as she embarks on this historic journey over the next two years. This is a once-in-a-generation milestone for Ireland, and we have no doubt that her mission will inspire people across the nation and beyond to pursue their own aspirations. Norah is a true trailblazer, paving the way for Irish women in STEM and leaving a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.”

Dr. Norah Patten’s passion for space began at just 11 years old during a visit to NASA’s Glenn Research Centre. Now, that childhood dream is becoming a reality. As she readies for liftoff, her journey is not just a personal triumph but a national milestone, one that Aer Lingus is proud to be a part of.

For travellers inspired by the cosmos, North America offers a constellation of experiences, from rocket launches at Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre to the rich history of human flight on display at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. But for Ireland, the most exciting voyage is the one still to come, led by a woman with her eyes on the stars and an airline that believes in the power of flight.