SIPTU criticises Aer Lingus for decision to axe flights

The country's largest trade union has described as 'madness' Aer Lingus' decision to axe three transatlantic routes for the winter.

SIPTU has said the removal of flights from Shannon to Chicago and Dublin to San Francisco and Washington is devastating news for the wider economy.

The airline, which is forecasting losses of €100m this year, claims it needs to slash its number of long-haul services by 25 in a bid to cut costs.

SIPTU President Jack O'Connor said the airline should never have been privatised.

Rival airline Ryanair also said that the move was unnecessary.

"Ryanair regrets the cut backs at Aer Lingus as they represent a step backwards not forwards," said Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara.

"Today’s announcement highlights the mistake the board and the government made when they rejected Ryanair’s January offer which promised to double the Aer Lingus fleet to over 60 aircraft, thereby creating 1,000 new jobs."