State plans to sell off Aer Lingus

THE Government will begin the process of selling off Aer lingus next year now the company has returned to profitability.

Transport Minister Séamus Brennan is to begin examining how to sell off the airline, though a legal clause means it will have to remain in Irish hands.

This raises the likelihood an Irish consortium will buy up the State's 85.1% stake. The remaining 14.9% has been allocated to airline staff.