Aer Lingus Offers New Routes and Revised Forecast in a Battle Against Ryanair

As Aer Lingus battles the takeover bid from Ryanair, they have announced a possible profit for next year, a new Gatwick Airport base, as well as new routes to Nice, Vienna, Zurich, and Munich, along with many other leisure focused destinations.

Dermot Mannion, the Chief Executive of Aer Lingus, said that they are very happy to have the opportunity to grow their business in the biggest aviation market in Europe, as well as to expand their quality, budget offering to travelers.  They are offering the flights to consumers for the top leisure and business destinations in Europe at competitive prices and convenient times as part of an offering that sets them apart from their rivals, he continued.  The operation of the base at the Gatwick Airport will complement their existing services out of the London Heathrow Airport, Mannion added, as well as position them for growing while they roll out new bases and routes in the future.

Mike Luddy, the Commercial director for Gatwick Airport, said that they know the airline has evaluated many airports throughout Europe as their first base to be located outside of Ireland, and they are happy that their airport was chosen as their base in London.  In this tough time for the industry of aviation, he continued, this is proof of the position of Gatwick Airport as an ideal hub for profitable carrier growth.

There are, however, some government members in Ireland that are in support of the takeover bid from Ryanair if Aer Lingus refuses to return their Shannon Heathrow services.  One member even warned Mannion at a meeting that the government may consider selling their 25% stake in the company to Ryanair if the return of the route was refused.

Find out more about the new services from the airline at:  www.aerlingus.com