Pilots say proposals overlook real issues

AER LINGUS pilots will tell the airline tomorrow that its proposals to resolve the dispute over the new Belfast base are welcome but still fail to address crucial issues.

As the stand-off between the pilots and the company over terms and conditions for staff at the Belfast hub enters its sixth week, Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion yesterday wrote to all 500 pilots telling them he would:

* Allow Aer Lingus pilots from the Republic to apply for the Belfast jobs without resigning from their posts in Dublin.