Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus (EI/EIN) has confirmed it is considering closing its UK transatlantic operation, Aer Lingus UK (EG/EUK), based at Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC), due to performance lagging significantly behind that of its Irish transatlantic operations.
Aer Lingus operates long-haul flights from Manchester to New York JFK, Barbados, and Orlando, Florida, but the routes have not proved profitable.
In a statement, the airline said: “Despite all of the work and 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 situation has prompted a necessary consideration of the long-term viability of the Manchester base.”
Aer Lingus’ Manchester operation employs around 200 people, and consultations have taken place with trade unions regarding their future.
Aer Lingus added: “We acknowledge and fully appreciate that this is an uncertain and difficult time for colleagues based in Manchester and we will work closely with the management team and the staff in Manchester over the coming weeks, ensuring that they are kept fully informed and supported.”
No timescale has been given for when a decision will be made on the future of Aer Lingus’ UK operations, and it will not affect flights to Dublin and Belfast, which are operated by Aer Lingus and Emerald Airlines.
The news comes just weeks after 130 Aer Lingus UK staff walked out in strike action over pay.
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