Fears Aer Lingus cuts could alienate customers

Aer Lingus may have to dramatically lunge towards the no-frills sector if it is to emerge from its dire financial situation, industry experts have warned.

The Irish flag carrier – which has fended off two hostile take-over bids by low-cost rival Ryanair – saw its half-year losses triple to €73.9 million (£68 million) in June.

It has already announced 800 job cuts in response, but according to the Consumers' Association of Ireland further changes to its services are likely to follow.

The airline was quick to deny rumours of a fundamental shift in its core product.

"At the moment that is not part of this process," a spokesperson vehemently told The Irish Independent, before adding: "But everything will be under review."

Michael Kilcoyne of the Consumers' Association of Ireland had prompted those remarks by warning Aer Lingus against embarking on a "race to the bottom".

"This restructuring plan must not be an excuse to introduce even more charges and inconveniences for passengers," he said. "Many people want a more comfortable, friendlier service.

"If Aer Lingus goes too far down the low-cost route, they'll lose their core customer base and identity, and end up being taken over by someone else."

Mr Kilcoyne said the airline's claim that it is pursuing an easyJet-style, rather than Ryanair-style, business model was of little consolation. Even measures such as forcing passengers to scramble for their seats would be enough to alienate customers, he said.

Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller warned this week that the carrier "cannot continue with an operating cost base which is structurally uncompetitive".

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Comments

[Mr Barry Jones]

I think its a con that Aer Lingus do not mention that they charge for checking in baggage on their email tickets.