16/10/2001

Irish government lobby EU to permit airline aid

The Irish government has stepped up its pressure on the European Commission to allow it to aid troubled airline Aer Lingus.

Public Enterprise Minister Mary O`Rourke has been fighting for the right to provide financial assistance for the national carrier at a meeting of the European Union Transport Council in Luxembourg.

The airline, which is losing £2 million a day following the terrorist attacks on the United States, announced earlier this month that services would be cut by 25 per cent, principally on routes to the United States.

However, indications on Tuesday, October 16, were that the European Commission was not prepared to relax its stand on the issue, on the grounds that it would contravene existing EU legislation on fair competition. However Irish and other EU ministers were set to cite America`s decision to provide billions of dollars of support for their airlines and demand equal treatment.

Plans for additional state funding for Aer Lingus are also being opposed by Ireland`s Ryanair, whose business has barely been affected by the terrorist attacks. (MB)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

17 October 2001
Future of Aer Lingus in doubt
The future of struggling airline Aer Lingus is in doubt as the Irish Government attempts to find a way to shore up the beleaguered company.
09 October 2001
Aer Lingus board meets to discuss rescue plan
The board of Aer Lingus was to meet on Tuesday to discuss the options for a rescue package for the beleaguered Irish airline. It is understood that high on the agenda for the October 9 meeting was the axing of hundreds of jobs, but there were hopes that the Irish government may be prepared to step in with an aid package.
20 August 2001
Turbulent times ahead for Aer Lingus
There is fresh turbulence ahead for Irish national airline Aer Lingus with a new survival plan reportedly recommending a 15 per cent cut in flights and a ban on buying new aircraft. The plan has apparently been drawn up to offset a predicted £20 million pound loss this year.
01 December 2008
Ryanair Flies Into Takeover Turbulence
There's a multi-million euro bid for Aer Lingus on the table today as budget airline Ryanair makes a fresh takeover offer. The all-cash offer would value Aer Lingus at €748m euros (£619m) a lot less than the previous offer for Aer Lingus, which valued it at €1.5 billion.
03 April 2002
German firm to create 50 new jobs for Waterford
Up to 50 new jobs are to be created in Waterford over the next four years following a €10 million investment by German firm, Guehring oHG Albstadt.