Aer Lingus 'to cut costs further'

Aer Lingus is reportedly facing another severe round of cost cutting as it fights for survival.

It is being reported that management have been working on a new plan to slash costs, targeting transatlantic services and ground operations.

Aer Lingus chairman Colm Barrington is understood to have told the Irish Airline Pilots Association that the company needs to save €130m to have a viable future.

The new chief executive of the former state carrier, Christoph Mueller, will take control in a matter of weeks.

A recent forecast from Bloxham stockbrokers said Aer Lingus was facing losses of €150m this year and needs to cut 800 jobs.