A new salvo in the airline price war was fired by Aer Lingus today as they announced a number of half-price flights to Britain, Europe and the US.
Having reached agreement on restructuring the company with unions just before Christmas, the national airline has launched an aggressive price-cutting policy offering 2.5 million fares at discounts of up to 51 per cent.
Aer Lingus’s new chief executive, Mr Willie Walsh said the new cost base and increased flexibility within the company means the airline "can provide better value and respond more quickly to market conditions".
Five hundred thousand seats will be available until the end of March next year with the remaining two million offered throughout the rest of 2002.
Selected flights on routes to the UK will be €39 (£30.71) each way while certain flights to mainland Europe will be available from €69 (£54.34) each way. Flights on US routes will be offered from €169 each way (£133.10). All prices include taxes and charges.
Cheapest fares are available on the company’s revamped website as it seeks to adopt the methods of low-fare airlines. Low-fares pioneer Ryanair have made themselves one of the biggest airlines in Europe by aggressive discounting and lowering commissions paid to travel agents by encouraging online booking.
Fares booked through other methods will cost marginally more.
"The measures announced today underline the new approach Aer Lingus is taking to delivering our services to the customer. Fares are cheaper, easier to book and offer better value", Mr Walsh said.