Aer Lingus has been passed over for parent group IAG’s second delivery of Airbus’ new super long-range and more fuel-efficient plane, due to its ongoing pay dispute with pilots.
Pilots have voted to reject the latest Labour Court recommendation for better pay conditions at the airline; with nearly 95% voting against a 9.25% pay increase; after calling for a near 24% hike.
Aer Lingus had been in line to be the world’s first airline to adopt the new Airbus 321-XLR plane, for which IAG had numerous orders.
However, IAG moved the status of launch customer to Iberia. IAG owns Aer Lingus, Iberia, Vueling, British Airways, and LEVEL.
Now, for a second time Aer Lingus has been passed over for delivery of the new plane – which can go longer distances with a much lower fuel burn.
IAG said: “Aer Lingus was unable to give IAG the confidence it needed in our cost structure, resulting in the inaugural A321 XLR – originally planned for Aer Lingus –being allocated elsewhere in the group.
“On the same basis and given the deadline for a decision on painting was this week, the second XLR aircraft will not be painted in Aer Lingus livery and will remain available to be allocated elsewhere within the group.”
IAG had, initially, earmarked 6 of the 14 new planes, on order, for Aer Lingus; with 8 going to stablemate Iberia.
