Aer Lingus Chief Executive Dermot Mannion has apologised for the uncertainly caused to the airline's customers in recent days by the dispute over its new Belfast base.
He has described as 'a landmark development' an agreement by pilots to co-operate with the opening of the airline's new base in Belfast.
On RTÉ Radio's News at One programme, Mr Mannion said the deal was important because it not only facilitates the Belfast base, but also gives Aer Lingus the flexibility to move its brand to other bases into the future.
On the issue of the airline's pay freeze and cost cutting plan, Mr Mannion said there would be no lack of willingness on the part of senior management to engage with staff and unions to bring the issues to a conclusion.
He said he was confident he would get a reciprocal response from them to move forward without causing any further uncertainty or disruption to passengers.
Last night, the Aer Lingus pilots from the IALPA trade union endorsed the deal that was agreed at the Labour Relations Commission to end the dispute with management.
The deal has been put to a secret ballot where it is expected the airline's 480 pilots will formally ratify it.
Union officials have said that any difficulties in the deal have now be resolved.
IMPACT said both sides agreed that Aer Lingus can establish new bases on local terms and conditions of employment, while the company will recognise the union to represent pilots in Belfast.
Pension arrangements for staff transferring between Dublin and Belfast are also included in the agreement.
This will mean that the pilots' non-cooperation with the hiring and training of Belfast staff will now be lifted.
The result of the ballot is expected on Thursday.
