Talks Begin In Aer Lingus Dispute

Talks between Aer Lingus and pilots' union, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association (Ialpa) have resumed at the Labour Relations Commission.

The talks begin last night after a planned 48-hour strike over the pay and conditions to be offered to new pilots at the airline's new Belfast base was called off. The strike had been due to begin today.

As a result of the strike being halted, all Aer Lingus short-haul flights were now due to take off as scheduled today, although there has been disruption to US flights, with some flights cancelled.

Passengers travelling to the US and Dubai are also being asked to check in for their flights at least three hours before departure, while passengers on short-haul flights are being advised to check in at least two hours before departure.

A meeting is also taking place today of Fine Gael TDs, Senators and local councillors from the west and mid-west to discuss a strategy to oppose Aer Lingus' ending of the Shannon - Heathrow route to concentrate on the Belfast operation.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Ryanair confirmed that it had acquired another 4% stake in Aer Lingus, bringing its total shares in the airline to almost 30%.

Ryanair said that the acquisition of the shares would it easier for the government and unions - the other large shareholders in Aer Lingus - to support their motion to hold an extraordinary general meeting to save the Shannon-Heathrow route.

(KMcA/SP)