Aer Lingus CEO backs takeover bid by IAG

The incoming CEO of Aer Lingus last night gave the airline’s unequivocal backing to IAG’s proposed takeover, insisting it was in the best interest of all stakeholders.

Stephen Kavanagh told the Oireachtas transport committee the deal would offer the greatest protection possible to services to Cork and Shannon by increasing and sustaining profitability on the routes.

Committee members were told there was no chance that the viability of regional routes, which Mr Kavanagh described as core to its business proposition, would be “in any way compromised” by an IAG takeover.