Aer Lingus shareholders warned not to expect dividend in the short term

AER Lingus shareholders should not expect a dividend payment in the short term, given that it is battling to return its transatlantic operations to profitability.

The airline expects its long-haul operations to be loss-making this year, but is implementing changes to ensure it is profitable next year, chief executive Christoph Mueller said.

With the pulling of transatlantic routes from Shannon for winter 2011, Mr Mueller said there is a “fairly good chance” the long-haul business will enter positive territory next year or as soon as Ireland is out of recession.