The Aer Lingus board is to meet again on Friday after deciding to proceed unilaterally with its cost cutting plan.
The board took the decision yesterday evening, despite the fact that unions at the airline have so far failed to sign up to the proposals which envisage immediate cuts of €97m to stem significant ongoing losses.
Last night Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller said the decision was necessary to stabilise the business, but would likely lead to more job losses than the 676 voluntary redundancies originally envisaged.
It is also likely that further aircraft would be grounded towards the end of this year, with both long and short haul capacity taken out.
However, Mr Mueller said there the cost cuts would have no impact on customers.
Aer Lingus shares closed up 5.3% at 56 cent in Dublin.
