Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion has described as 'a landmark development' an agreement by pilots to co-operate with the opening of the airline's new base in Belfast.
Speaking on RTE radio, 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 there would be a reciprocal response from them to move forward without causing any further uncertainty or disruption to passengers.
Early this morning, Aer Lingus pilots voted in favour of the deal which was agreed at the Labour Relations Commission. It will now be voted on by pilots by secret ballot, with a result expected on Thursday.
