Aer Lingus is expecting to resume the growth of trans Atlantic operations as a result of their pilots accepting the Labour Court recommendation of a 17.75pc pay rise. The two A321XLR aircraft they were to receive in 2024 are gone to Iberia but airline officials are hopeful that they will receive the four other aircraft earmarked for Aer Lingus.
It is understood IAG will examine the business case for the A321XLRs as presented by member airlines, which has been improved by the acceptance of Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA) pilots of the Labour Court recommendation at the second attempt.
Cost certainty was the major factor in Aer Lingus acceptance of the Labour Court recommendation. Airline official say that the four year deal has provided a level of stability from the pilot’s perspective.
The labour court added another year to the pay deal resulted in a 17.75% increase over four years, compared to the 24pc over three years Ialpa was seeking.
The termination of the crewing agreement from 2025 onwards was seen as a structural change that would positively impact productivity by allowing pilots to take leave more efficiently. This change would help the airline gradually recover its productivity levels and eventually match competitors’ efficiency levels.
IALPA members voted in favour of accepting Labour Court proposals to resolve a pay dispute with Aer Lingus, with 85pc backing the pay deal from a 96pc turnout.
The IALPA executive recommended acceptance of the pay deal, stating that the pay award was the greatest seen in 30 years for Aer Lingus pilots.
Industrial action, including an eight-hour strike, had led to the cancellation of 610 flights affecting around 84,000 passengers, with the work-to-rule action suspended pending the outcome of the pay deal ballot. Of these 573 were pre planned and 37 on the day cancellations.
