Government canvassing Europe on Aer Lingus sale

Ireland is canvassing European authorities for their initial views on a deal allowing the State to sell its stake in Aer Lingus to IAG.

Discussions between Ireland and IAG continued after the Government, which controls a 25% stake in Aer Lingus, rejected the airline’s indicative bid in February.

British Airways’ parent IAG is offering a guarantee on maintaining routes between Ireland and London for seven years, according to a person with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identified.