TDs will vote on a potential sale to IAG tomorrow afternoon, after the cabinet last night agreed to sell the Government's 25 per cent stake, which is worth €355 million.
IAG has provided a seven-year guarantee that all of Aer Lingus's slots at London Heathrow will be used for Irish routes, as well as guarantees about connectivity.
But minister Paschal Donohoe has admitted that 50 jobs will be lost as part of the deal – and says Aer Lingus's CEO will need to make sure they're covered by registered employment agreements.
Shannon Chamber of Commerce is one of the bodies that had raised concerns about the impact the sale of Aer Lingus could have on regional economies.
President of the body Kevin Thompstone has welcomed the guarantees about the Heathrow slots. But he says the time frame of the commitment is short.
Tourism Ireland says the decision will provide a major boost to tourism here – particularly from North America.
