There are calls from both inside and outside the aviation sector for Aer Lingus to provide further clarity on its plans for its transatlantic routes for Shannon this summer.
It’s after a document has been circulating among company works which claims these flights will be grounded until next year.
An article on the Clare Herald website this week detailed a document being passed among Aer Lingus employees which suggests flights from Shannon to Boston and New York will not take to the skies again until the spring of 2022.
That’s despite hopes being expressed by Shannon Group that these services would resume once restrictions were lifted.
Around 130 airline employees, including cabin crew and ground staff, would be directly impacted by any further delay in the resumption of these services.
Many of them due to begin work again in June having been temporarily laid off for three months as a result of the pandemic.
Unions, though, are downplaying the fears somewhat for now.
A SIPTU source has told Clare FM that they are seeking further talks with the airline, as they look for clarity on the airline’s plans.
Aer Lingus told Clare FM that it’s currently flying a significantly reduced schedule” and that it’s “schedule for the duration of 2021, and beyond, remains under constant review.
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara wants the airline to shed further light on its plans.
He also believes the government needs to implement a clearer picture of what a full return to aviation will look like first.
Clare FM’s Rebecca O’Sullivan has this report:
