US airline denies interest in Aer Lingus stake

JetBlue, the US low-cost carrier, has strongly denied any intention of purchasing the Government’s 25% stake in Aer lingus.

“We have no interest or intention in purchasing the Irish Government’s stake in Aer Lingus,” JetBlue said in a statement.

It follows speculation the US company was in advanced talks with Aer Lingus management about buying a stake.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said: “A number of parties have expressed an interest in acquiring the State’s stake in Aer Lingus, but the department in not in formal negotiations with any party at present.”

The only airline currently showing interest in the Aer Lingus stake is Etihad Airways. The Middle East airline’s chief James Hogan has said Aer Lingus remains an investment prospect.

Tourism Minster Leo Varadkar had been surprised at reports of JetBlue’s interest in Aer Lingus, claiming it was “news to me”.

The Government is committed to selling its stake in Aer Lingus, but is hoping to avoid a firesale of the company.

Ever since winning a concession from the troika to allow the Government reinvest any profits from the sale of state assets into job creation programmes, the government has committed to selling stakes in Aer Lingus and Coillte.