Aer Lingus leases planes to minimise strike disruption

Aer Lingus says it has contingency plans in place to minimise the disruption that will be caused by next week's planned pilots' strike.

The company says it has leased planes and flight crews to cover some services when almost 500 pilots go on strike next Tuesday and Wednesday.

The industrial action has been arranged in response to Aer Lingus' plan to employ pilots at its new Belfast base on lesser terms and conditions than those in Dublin.

The Irish Airline Pilots Association says the action can be avoided if Aer Lingus enters talks, but the company is refusing to do so unless strike notice is withdrawn.