asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether, in view of the apparent serious deteriorating financial position of Aer Lingus, he proposes to take any special steps to assist the airline; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aer Lingus Financial Position.
10.
Mr. O'Donnell
I am informed by Aer Lingus that they are taking all possible steps to minimise the impact of any downward business trend. No need for special financial assistance has emerged but I am keeping in close touch with the situation.
Could I ask the Minister whether it is a fact that one of the difficulties which Aer Lingus are now encountering is the growing competition from charter airlines? Have Aer Lingus considered the possibility of establishing a subsidiary charter airline? This would appear to be an ideal means of greater aircraft utilisation. Has this been considered? Would it be advisable or not?
Aer Lingus are going into the charter business to a growing degree themselves. They are doing this very successfully. Reports to hand indicate that Aer Lingus will have a successful charter business especially on the transatlantic route in the coming season.
Mr. O'Donnell
Is it not a fact that the tendency has been for scheduled airlines in most countries to establish subsidiary charter companies? In other words, the question of Aer Lingus, which is a scheduled airline, utilising air transport for occasional charters is not satisfactory. It would appear to be much more satisfactory if special subsidiary charter companies were set up?
I can assure the Deputy and the House that the attitude now is considerably more flexible than it used be in this respect and Aer Lingus are adopting a very flexible attitude in regard to their own charters and have over 95 per cent charter booking on their aircraft across the Atlantic for this coming year.
I think that is Question No. 10? Question No. 11 was called.
I shall call Question No. 11 now.