Aer Lingus will not be allowed sell assets

AER Lingus will not be allowed by the Government to sell off key assets such as its landing and take-off slots at Heathrow airport after it is privatised.

Finance Minister Brian Cowen yesterday declared that the Government would prevent the company from selling off such assets and that the Government will remain long-term shareholders in the company.

The minister made the declaration during a question and answer session at the IMI National Management Conference at the Druids Glen Marriott Hotel, Co Wicklow, yesterday.