No privatisation of Aer Lingus

TRANSPORT Minister Seamus Brennan ruled out any early moves to privatise Aer Lingus, despite its predicted profits of €40 million this year.

Mr Brennan told the 700 people gathered at the Irish Airline Pilots Association special conference in Dublin yesterday that while the anticipated results were encouraging, it was too early to celebrate.

He urged Aer Lingus not to take the pressure off, adding he was not prepared to discuss the future investment needs of the airline until he was convinced it had survived and was in a strong position.