Cutbacks will avoid a ‘downward spiral’

AER LINGUS chiefs yesterday raised the possibility of the national carrier going the way of failed airlines Sabena and Alitalia if the company’s controversial cutbacks are not backed by unions.

Outlining the need to slash costs to ensure the viability of the embattled airline, Aer Lingus chief financial officer Sean Coyle said the company would live with strike action if it needed to in a bid to push through the measures.

As staff reeled from news of 676 job losses and changes to pension arrangements and flight routes, Mr Coyle said the measures were needed to avoid a “downward spiral” which could ultimately shrink the airline even further.