Aer Lingus to acquire 17 jets for €850m

AER LINGUS is to expand its European fleet with 17 new Airbus jets worth €850m as the Government introduces legislation to transfer stakes in the State-owned company to the private sector.

In two separate announcements yesterday, Aer Lingus said it was to add 17 new A320s as Transport Minister Seamus Brennan published the Aer Lingus Bill 2003 providing the legal framework to facilitate private investment in the airline and the transfer of a 14.9% stake to employees.

Mr Brennan and the Aer Lingus board have to approve the aircraft purchase, the company’s biggest ever spending spree, before it can go ahead.