AER LINGUS TO CLOSE UK BASE

200 jobs set to go as talks with unions begin

- BY PAUL BRITTON

AER Lingus is moving to close its operating base at Manchester Airport, the company has confirmed.

It's understood the move would potentially affect around 200 jobs, with a statement confirming the company has entered into a consultation process with unions.

Aer Lingus operates long-haul routes from Manchester to New York JFK, Barbados and Orlando in Florida, as well as flights to Dublin and Belfast.

But the company said its Manchester long-haul operating margin performance “continues to significantly lag behind that of Aer Lingus’ Irish long-haul operating margin”.

The company has confirmed it has met with staff in talks.