Aer Lingus delays delivery of Airbus craft as it cuts long-haul services

AER LINGUS, the state’s second-biggest airline, will delay taking delivery of Airbus aircraft as it cuts long-haul services.

Deliveries of three A330s will start in the third quarter of 2013 and the first of its six A350s will arrive in 2015, the airline said. The company didn’t say when the planes had been due to arrive. Aer Lingus is looking to cut costs as it fights a slowdown in demand for travel. The company, which is also reducing the number of aircraft in its fleet by ending two leases early, said in June it will lower seat capacity on winter long-haul services by about 25%.

“These agreements represent a successful outcome for Aer Lingus,” the company said, adding the delivery plan was negotiated at “no additional cost”.