Aer Lingus is honouring Dolly Parton by renumbering its Dublin-to-Nashville service EI95, in tribute to her much-loved song and film 9 to 5.
The new flight number will be introduced on 25 October, when the first Dublin-to-Nashville service operating as EI95 departs Dublin Airport. The return Nashville-to-Dublin service will operate as EI92.
The idea to rename the flight number was proposed by Aer Lingus Cabin Manager Jamie Durnin. Flights operated by Aer Lingus approaching Nashville also identify themselves to air traffic controllers as Shamrock 925.
The tribute celebrates Parton’s enduring connection with Ireland, where she visited and performed on several occasions and built a strong following among generations of Irish music fans.
Alongside her career in music and entertainment, Parton was also widely recognised for her philanthropic work, particularly her efforts to promote childhood literacy.
She founded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1995, inspired by her father’s inability to read and write. The programme provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth until the age of five and has since expanded internationally. It was introduced in the Republic of Ireland in 2019.
To mark this part of Parton’s legacy, Aer Lingus will give a book to every child travelling on the inaugural EI95 service. The young passengers will be able to enjoy the book during their journey and take it home as a keepsake.
Aer Lingus Chief Operations Officer Adrian Dunne said: *“Dolly Parton brought so much joy to people around the world through her music, films and unmistakable warmth. She had a particularly special connection with Ireland, where her music has been loved by generations of fans.
“Renumbering our Dublin-to-Nashville service EI95 is a simple but lasting way for Aer Lingus to honour Dolly and the connection she created with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
“We also wanted the first EI95 flight to recognise another important part of her legacy: her belief in the power of books and reading. We hope the books gifted to our youngest customers will make their journey to Nashville even more memorable and encourage them to keep reading, imagining and dreaming.”
