AIRCRAFT maintenance firm Lufthansa Technik Airmotive has threatened it will shut down operations in Dublin with the loss of 465 jobs unless unions agree to new work practices.

Aer Lingus chiefs tonight rejected Ryanair’s ambitious plan to takeover the Irish flag-carrier.

Ryanair has announced plans to mount a fresh takeover bid for Aer Lingus in a move that it says will create "one strong Irish airline group".

AER LINGUS staff will not discover today as expected how many jobs the airline wants to outsource as part of a root-and-branch cost-saving drive.

AER Lingus ground staff have threatened to begin strike action if the airline does not lift a freeze on pay increases worth up to 7.5% each.

SIPTU shop stewards at Aer Lingus are meeting this afternoon to consider an action plan in the event of staff suspensions at the airline.

SIPTU has reacted angrily to Aer Lingus management’s threat to implement proposed €20 million cost-cutting measures on February 24, unless both sides can reach agreement by then.

SIPTU yesterday agreed to continue in discussions with Aer Lingus to play its part in achieving the €20 million in cost reduction being sought by the airline.

Trade union bosses today agreed to continue crunch talks aimed at resolving a row over Aer Lingus’ controversial cost-cutting plan.

Aer Lingus has reportedly told its workers that it is planning major job cuts in order to help the airline compete with Ryanair.