A new transatlantic flight launches April 12 with connections from Southampton Airport, aligning with rising interest in country music.

Aer Lingus is launching its new flight route to Nashville on April 12, coinciding with a surge in interest in country music culture.

The airline's research found that 71 per cent of adults are country music fans, with the figure rising to 87 per cent among Gen Z.

The new route will be the first to fully utilise the Airbus A321XLR aircraft's extended flying range.

Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus chief executive officer, said: "There has been huge anticipation around this new route on both sides of the Atlantic, with Nashville now one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States."

Deana Ivey, president and CEO of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, said: "Nashville and Ireland have long shared deep musical roots, and this new Aer Lingus flight strengthens that connection at an exciting time for our city."