Response from Cork Airport To Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport & Communications

Thank you for the invitation to attend a hearing of the Committee to outline Cork Airport’s position on the potential takeover of Aer Lingus by IAG.

As it stands currently, there is no formal offer for Aer Lingus by IAG and it is not certain that any formal offer will be made.

As a consequence, due to the timing of the current potential takeover process, and the lack of detailed information available from either airline, it is difficult for Cork Airport to make an informed comment at this stage. However, to assist the Committee in its work, Cork Airport would like to make the following points:
• Aer Lingus is the largest airline currently operating at Cork and operates a wide range of routes from Cork, which is the State’s second largest airport
̢ۢ The Aer Lingus service from Cork to London Heathrow is performing strongly with high passenger load factors both ways and strong flows of connecting traffic
• Connectivity into Heathrow is highly valued by Cork Airport customers across its hinterland in Munster and plays a vital role in Cork Airport’s wider network
̢ۢ In the event of any potential takeover of Aer Lingus by IAG, Cork Airport will work not just to maintain existing connectivity offered by Aer Lingus, but will also seek to examine the potential for additional services within the IAG Group through its Iberia, Vueling and BA CityFlyer operations and the wider Oneworld alliance.

Cork Airport welcomes the fact that the Government has said that it will give careful consideration to any potential takeover offer.

Cork Airport notes that IAG has said in a stock exchange statement that it recognises the importance of direct air services and air route connectivity for investment and tourism in Ireland and intends to engage with the Irish Government in order to secure its support for the transaction.

Cork Airport also notes that the Government has established a Steering Group comprising representatives of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Department of Finance, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and NewERA to examine the issues surrounding a possible offer for the State’s stake in Aer Lingus.

Cork Airport is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work assiduously to grow connectivity and choice for its customers.