Aer Lingus targeting additional deals

Aer Lingus, fighting a takeover bid from Ryanair, said it is targeting more deals like a contract-flying accord struck with Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd as the sluggish Irish economy restricts expansion.

Other options for boosting revenue include seeking to purchase further slots at Heathrow Airport, where the Virgin flights are based, to help maximise aircraft utilisation, chief executive Christoph Müller said in an interview.

“We are limited in our organic growth due to the fact that Ireland is so small and not yet firing on all cylinders,” he said in London, adding that while Ireland is recovering in terms of exports, “there is still a long way to go with regard to cost of living.”