Aer Arann pilots call off strike plan

A strike action planned by Aer Arann pilots has been called off.

It had been scheduled to begin on July 27. The company issued a statement yesterday saying strike notice served on the company had been fully withdrawn.

Interim chief executive of Aer Arann, Sean Brogan, commenting on the resolution said: ‘I am pleased that a speedy and comprehensive outcome to this matter has been achieved.

“Our passengers can continue to have the certainty they need when making their travel plans.

“Everyone at Aer Arann has worked hard to turn the company around in recent times.

“We have made real progress, increasing passenger numbers and expanding routes. We have a clear plan to grow the airline further and everyone at the company is fully focussed on this objective.”

The strike notice had been served on the airline by the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association last week in a dispute over roster and pay conditions.

Aer Arann, which operates all Aer Lingus regional flights under a franchise, has had a few turbulent years. It was put into examinership in Aug 2010 following a few years of heavy financial losses.

A strike could have been particularly damaging for the company as it would have coincided with the company’s peak season.

Moreover, the Olympics is scheduled to begin next weekend, which will also see a ramp up in demand.

A source close to Aer Arann says retaining customer confidence was a key priority.

The source stressed that the dispute had been settled in full and consequently there was no threat of industrial action erupting again.

A spokesperson for Aer Arann says a procedure is now in place that both sides are satisfied with, which is aimed at settling existing and any potential future disputes.

“Customers can be assured that all of the airline’s services will continue to operate as normal,” says the Aer Arann spokesperson.