Airline to close Shannon crew base

The risk of industrial unrest at Aer Lingus has increased significantly with news that the airline is to close its Shannon-based cabin crew operation.

Almost 90 crew there must decide whether to agree to be outsourced to Dublin or Cork or take voluntary severance. Otherwise, they face redundancy.

The company has taken the decision after failing to agree with unions on crew numbers for the Boeing 757 aircraft which it is “wet leasing” for its new increased frequency service to the US. When the talks failed, the company decided to use crew from ACL, the company from which it is leasing the aircraft. It was clear at that point that the future for the Shannon-based cabin attendants was in jeopardy.