Clarification needed on Aer Lingus sell-off bid

WITH reference to the possible sale of the Government’s stake in Aer Lingus to the Emirati airline Etihad please consider the following: Will the deficit in the pension scheme be addressed as part of any deal?

The pension deficit is a key impediment to any investor. However, if this key issue was sorted between Aer Lingus and the unions, this would strengthen the hand of the Government in gaining a viable return for the State.

James Hogan, the CEO of Etihad, recently announced 100 Irish cabin crew jobs.

The impression given here is that the jobs were to be based in Dublin and this notion was communicated in the media.

This, however, would appear to not be the case — all Etihad cabin crew are based in Abu Dhabi.

Mr Hogan’s announcement made at the Global Economic Forum was well-timed and could have been made so that the Government would be favourably disposed to any offer which he would want to present.

Some clarification is urgently needed here. What are Etihad’s plans with regard to the slot portfolio at London Heathrow? Will Ireland lose connectivity to this important hub?

It looks certain that the Government has made up its mind with regard to disposing of its stake in Aer Lingus. They owe it to the people of Ireland to seek the best possible return.

They must also take into account how any loss or perceived loss of control over Aer Lingus might impact negatively on connectivity to and from Ireland.

The Government has stated again and again that our economic recovery lies in export-led growth and inbound tourism. For the Government to complete a sale of its stake they should expect a turbulent path.

They would be well advised to keep their seatbelts securely fastened.

Killian Brennan

Clare Village

Malahide Road

Dublin 17