Thousands of jobs at risk in aviation sector unless a clear plan is formed

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government, Darragh O’Brien, has said that news of up to 900 job losses at Aer Lingus is a devastating blow following news earlier of cuts at Ryanair.
 
Aer Lingus has already halved the working hours and pay of staff because of the reductions in capacity travel due to the coronavirus.
 
Deputy O’Brien said: “The news this morning from both Aer Lingus and Ryanair is a devastating blow to the aviation sector in Ireland and in my own constituency of Fingal. Dublin airport supports up to 114,000 full time jobs and it’s vital that these jobs are not lost. There are 21,000 jobs directly relating to airport operations.
 
“Last month, I called for a clear plan to be put in place to help out our aviation sector, which is a vital component for our country in terms of connectivity and trade. A Pan-EU Plan for the sector is urgently needed before more jobs are lost.
 
“Thousands of jobs are now at risk and we must take the adequate steps to protect the sector in these uncertain times. Ryanair has said it could take at least two years for passenger demand to return to normal and this could result in up to 3,000 jobs losses, mainly among pilots and cabin crew. Supports are needed to be put in place to try to secure the future of aviation in Ireland,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.