Aer Lingus, its management's thinking focused by having to share a home base with Ryanair, has achieved a remarkable turnaround from near bankruptcy, and now has by some way the highest profit margin of the AEA airlines. However, it remains 100% owned by the Irish state, a situation that the airline's top managers have suggested must change. Aer Lingus has probably been the most aggressive of the European flag carriers in dealing with staff and the unions post September 11. Management and staff went through the process of receiving state aid ("one time - the last time") in 1993. The management message that "things must change or we go bust" has been fully taken onboard and the October 19, 2001 "survival plan" was fully embraced by all parties.
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