Aer Lingus says Airbus discussions 'ongoing'

Aer Lingus said today discussions on its fleet order with Airbus are “ongoing.”

Aer Lingus said today discussions on its fleet order with Airbus are “ongoing.”

Aer Lingus spokeswoman Gillian Culhane made the statement today in response to a Merrion Stockbrokers note that the company’s board has given executives the power to renegotiate its long-haul fleet order.

In its statement Merrion said the case for expanding its long-haul fleet was being “undermined by the losses being incurred in the current long-haul operation”.

“We estimate that cancellation of the four long-haul aircraft deliveries scheduled over 2010-11 (either through outright cancellation or conversion into leased financed replacements for short-haul leases that will expire) would conserve capex of around €300m.”