€1.5bn ‘vital’ for airline’s expansion

AER LINGUS needs up €1.5 billion if it is to expand its long-haul services, the airline’s chairman said yesterday.

John Sharman, who is also acting as chief executive until a successor to Willie Walsh is found, said the airline is looking to add new routes to America and is also eyeing destinations in Asia, the Middle East and Australia.

But Mr Sharman said the airline needs a decision by the Government on its future ownership if it is to raise the cash as it could not finance a major expansion from its own resources.