Aer Lingus has told its staff it is considering closing its Manchester base.
The move would potentially affect 200 employees and transatlantic flights to New York, Orlando and Barbados, plus links to Belfast and Dublin.
The airline held a briefing with staff in Manchester on Monday (November 17) where executives said the company will now enter into a collective consultation process with union representatives.
Aer Lingus has faced industrial action from the Unite union with cabin crew planning additional strikes at Manchester airport this month.
A spokesperson at Aer Lingus said of its plans for its Manchester base: “Aer Lingus can confirm that the company met with staff at its Manchester base yesterday [November 17] to brief them on the performance of the base.
“Despite all of the work and best efforts of the team, the Manchester long-haul operating margin performance continues to significantly lag behind that of Aer Lingus’s Irish long-haul operating margin.
“This situation has prompted a necessary consideration of the long-term viability of the Manchester base.
“Colleagues at the Manchester base were advised that Aer Lingus will now enter into a collective consultation process with their representatives.
“This process will explore all the options in respect of the base, however, staff were also advised that it will also include the possibility of a base closure.
“We acknowledge and fully appreciate that this is an uncertain and difficult time for colleagues based in Manchester and we will work closely with the management team and the staff in Manchester over the coming weeks, ensuring that they are kept fully informed and supported.”
