Politicians and pilots voice objections to Aer Lingus sale
Irish politicians have failed to back a €1.3 billion sale of Aer Lingus to British Airways’ parent IAG and the airline’s pilots have also spoken out against the deal.
Prime minister Enda Kenny has declined to support IAG’s revised bid of €2.55 per share.
Transport minister Paschal Donohoe said there were ‘important considerations’ to be examined alongside the price offering by IAG. Trade union leaders have already expressed concern that a third of the workforce will be ousted.
However, the Aer Lingus board has said it is willing to recommend IAG’s offer to shareholders and, as the Irish government owns only 25% of the airline, it couldn’t block a sale if other shareholders approve.
The Irish Airline Pilots’ Association, which represents holders of 7% of the airline’s shares, said the sale wouldn’t be a good deal for its members.
Head of the Association Evan Cullen told Ireland’s transport and communications committee that IAG needed Aer Lingus more than Aer Lingus needed IAG.
He expressed concerns that IAG would close one of the two pilot bases in Belfast after acquiring Aer Lingus, that maintenance and catering of flights would be shifted overseas, away from Dublin, and that IAG might sell Heathrow slots owned by Aer Lingus to other carriers.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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