Transport Minster gets report on Aer Lingus sale

The Government yesterday confirmed it had received a report by an expert group advising it on the possible sale of its 25% stake in Aer Lingus to British Airways owner IAG, paving the way for a long-delayed decision.

IAG’s proposed €1.36bn bid was recommended by Aer Lingus’s board in January but is conditional on the support of the airline’s two main shareholders — Ryanair and the State.

The Government decision has been delayed by the preparation of the report, which could help the Coalition win over some sceptical members of the Dáil and the airline’s trade unions.