Aer Lingus Contemplates Shutting Down Manchester Base
Aer Lingus is currently evaluating the future of its Manchester base amid ongoing pay disputes with cabin crew. This Irish airline operates flights from Manchester to several US cities, including New York and Boston, as well as to Barbados. Recent strikes have raised concerns about the base’s viability.
Aer Lingus Manchester Base Under Review
The Manchester base has faced a turbulent period recently. In October, cabin crew organized a four-day strike, impacting 18 flights and affecting around 4,000 passengers. Subsequent disruptions also led to significant delays for roughly 7,500 travelers, particularly on routes to New York, Florida, and Barbados.
Management Briefs Staff
A meeting on Monday provided staff members with crucial updates regarding the base’s performance. Aer Lingus executives presented findings showing that the Manchester operation is underperforming compared to both its Irish operations and the broader International Airlines Group (IAG).
- The long-haul operating margin in Manchester is falling short.
- Discussions about possible closures have commenced.
- The airline aims to reassess the deployment of two aircraft currently stationed there.
The company’s communication indicated that a collective consultation with staff representatives would take place to explore all avenues regarding the Manchester base’s future.
Cabin Crew Pay Disputes
Ongoing issues with cabin crew pay have further complicated matters. Recently, about 130 Manchester-based cabin crew members voted to strike after rejecting a proposed 12% pay increase and an adjustment to their overnight allowance. Despite this offer, their compensation would still be lower than that of their Irish counterparts, according to the Unite union.
Gary McGann, a notable figure in the Irish business community, acknowledged the financial challenges faced by Aer Lingus in Manchester. Executive Oonagh Embleton stressed that the base has not performed at a level significant enough to warrant further investment.
Future Plans and Resource Allocation
While it remains uncertain where the Manchester resources might be redeployed, there is speculation about potential transatlantic services from Dublin Airport. The Independent Airline Pilots Association (IALPA) has communicated with Aer Lingus regarding possible redundancies if the closure goes ahead.
Aer Lingus has assured staff that they understand the situation’s gravity and are committed to keeping them informed throughout the decision-making process. The coming weeks will be critical as all parties work to navigate these challenging circumstances.
