Any delay in a resolution to the pilots' dispute would seriously damage the livelihoods of thousands of people dependent on the Irish tourism industry, the chief executive of Tourism Ireland has warned.
Mr Paul O'Toole said Irish tourism had already suffered a number of body-blows over the past 18 months, including the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and the effects of September 11th.
"As we now enter the main tourist season, it is vital there is a speedy resolution to this dispute," he said.
"We have already lost 20 per cent of direct capacity from the US this year, and Irish tourism cannot afford to lose more air seats. Competitive, convenient and direct access is essential if we are to succeed in increasing tourism numbers into Ireland.
"Aer Lingus has been a key player in contributing to the success of Irish tourism, both as Ireland's national carrier and as one of our principal promotional partners," he added.
Meanwhile, yesterday the British Air Line Pilots' Association said the oneworld brand, to which Aer Lingus belonged, was getting a bad name because of the airline's refusal to negotiate with its pilots.
"The oneworld alliance is rapidly gaining a reputation for being anti-union and, in particular, anti-pilot. That is not a good image for a global brand," said Mr Christopher Darke, the association's general secretary.
