Aer Lingus (EI, Dublin International) is reducing staff numbers due to problems caused by a planned passenger cap at Dublin International and low profitability, reports the Irish Independent newspaper, citing an internal video message to employees from CEO Lynne Embleton.
An "informed source" told the paper that there are no plans for a "broad-based redundancy scheme" at the airline but there will be a reduction in numbers that would mean "some localised redundancies" through attrition and a hiring freeze.
ch-aviation has asked the airline for comment.
In the message, Embleton reportedly noted that Aer Lingus has the lowest profitability margin among the carriers of its parent IAG International Airlines Group which has affected the carrier's ability to pay off debts, reinvest in the business, and improve the customer experience.
According to Embleton, Aer Lingus plans to ground one A330 and reduce the A320 fleet by three, making room for the planned introduction of new A321-200NY(XLR)s to improve routes across the Atlantic.
"This unlocks much-needed opportunities in North America," she explained. "But we also need to address those weaker parts of our network and acknowledge the competitive environment and the structural change since Covid that has impacted business travel."
The airline's widebody fleet includes three A330-200s and ten A330-300s, according to ch-aviation fleets data.
She said the airline had a plan "to build on our strengths" while legally challenging the Dublin passenger cap, which she described as detrimental to jobs and the Irish economy. Plans for operational adjustments would be discussed in upcoming town hall meetings.
"We need profits to pay off debt, to pay interest on loans, to pay shareholders who own the business, and to reinvest the profits for the future of the business. We need aeroplanes, replacing old aircraft and aircraft for growth. We need profits to invest in our IT, our product, our customer experience, and in our colleagues."
She warned: "IAG has choices about where it invests, and we're not meeting the profitability target it requires. Now, other airlines in the group are, and IAG can simply put its money elsewhere. So to secure and support a thriving Aer Lingus for the future, for everyone's benefit, we need to be more profitable."
According to the ch-aviation fleets module, Aer Lingus' order book includes six A321-200NY(XLR)s, six A321-200Ns, and two A320-200Ns. The current single-aisle fleet comprises eight A321-200NX(LR)s, six A320-200Ns, and twenty-nine A320-200s.
