British Airways’ parent IAG has promised it won’t sell Aer Lingus’ slots at London Heathrow if its €1.3bn takeover bid is successful.
It said the ‘legally binding’ pledge would also exclude the slots from being transferred to another airline within the group, such as BA or Iberia.
Former Aer Lingus chief Willie Walsh, who is leading the bid, said IAG would operate the 23 Heathrow slots on Irish routes for five years, which was a stronger commitment than already existed.
He said IAG would also keep the Aer Lingus brand and its Irish headquarters.
“We want to develop air services that ensure Ireland’s connectivity is enhanced," he said.
"In seeking the support of the Irish Government, we propose to offer it legally binding commitments that go well beyond the protections currently available to it.”
Aer Lingus’ Board has agreed that the offer for €2.55 per share is at the right financial level.
But many within the Irish Government, which owns 25% of the airline, are concerned about the impact a takeover could have on connectivity in Ireland.
