Shannon and Cork to get say on Aer Lingus slots at Heathrow

The Cork and Shannon chambers of commerce will be given a role in deciding the future of Aer Lingus flights to Heathrow from both airports according to an IAG submission made to the Government, the Irish Examiner has learned.

IAG, which wants to buy the State’s 25.1% stake in Aer Lingus, submitted a proposal to the Government’s review group yesterday that included legally binding commitments.

These included a guarantee that the 23 slots controlled by Aer Lingus at Heathrow cannot be sold, including to IAG airlines. IAG also pledged that Aer Lingus’ name, head office location, or place of incorporation in the Republic cannot be changed and in addition, said it is prepared to offer a further commitment to operate the slots on Irish routes for five years.