Aer Lingus has told staff at its Manchester base that it may close the operation.
At a briefing today, workers were told that despite the best efforts of the team, the Manchester long-haul operating margin performance continues to significantly lag behind that of Aer Lingus's Irish long-haul operating margin.
"This makes it difficult to justify further investment in the Manchester base and raises the question as to whether there are potentially better alternative uses of the two aircraft that are in the Manchester base," Aer Lingus said in an update to staff.
"This situation has prompted a necessary consideration of the long-term viability of the Manchester base."
"Colleagues at the Manchester base were advised that we will now enter into a collective consultation process with their representatives, the airline said.
"This process will explore all the options in respect of the base, however, staff were also advised that it will also include the possibility of a base closure."
Around 200 jobs would be impacted by the closure of the base.
The Irish Airline Pilots Association (IALPA) said pilots who work in Aer Lingus UK are on secondment from Aer Lingus Ireland and have contracts to return to their permanent Irish position in such instances.
"IALPA will work with Aer Lingus ensuring our members have a seamless transfer back to their permanent place of employment," said Daniel Langan, Vice President, IALPA.
