Airline Industry Information - Aer Lingus asks for government grant for new aircraftAIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
Aer Lingus, Ireland's national carrier, has asked the Irish government for a EUR200-300m grant so it can acquire 10 long-range aircraft from either Boeing or Airbus.
The company made the request to the Irish Transport Minister Martin Cullen with a full presentation to the rest of the Irish cabinet expected to be made by late October 2004. According to reports it is thought that Aer Lingus is considering an order for either US-based Boeing's 7E7 aircraft or a variety of aircraft from the European manufacturer Airbus.
The cost of the aircraft is expected to be around EUR1bn and Aer Lingus claims it needs the government grant to stop it from falling too deeply into debt. The Irish Times newspaper said that the airline wanted to purchase five aircraft and take another five on lease deals while competition between Boeing and Airbus is so fierce, reports The Associated Press.
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