Up to 1,700 jobs are at risk in Aer Lingus after the company announced a drastic cutback in its operations. The cutback is due to last week's terrorist attacks in the United States.
More than 600 temporary staff will be let go initially. The announcement was made following a meeting between management and unions this afternoon. Seven aircraft will be taken out of the fleet. Services to Washington and Newark in New Jersey will be discontinued from October
Meanwhile, Aer Lingus acting Chief Executive, John O'Donovan, is to take up a position as Bank of Ireland's Chief Financial Officer before the end of this year. Mr O'Donovan has been acting Chief Executive of Aer Lingus since the departure of Michael Foley in June.
In another development, Ryanair says that it does not think its business will be significantly affected. In a statement, Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said that while the company was cautious last week's events had only had a "limited impact".
Airline executives in the United States have been meeting federal transport officials to discuss a request for $24 billion in financial aid.
