Dublin-based Stobart Air, which operates the Aer Lingus Regional service, is to begin temporary layoffs as it suspends its flights between Ireland and the UK from March 28 until further notice. Connect Airways is 30pc-owned by the listed UK Stobart Group. The UK’s Stobart Group is on the hook for tens of millions of euros worth of liabilities given in relation to a number of aircraft leases Stobart Air has. The current Aer Lingus Regional franchise agreement Stobart Air has with Aer Lingus ends in 2022. “Stobart Air’s operations, particularly our Aer Lingus Regional service, has proven to be popular with millions of passengers over the years,” Stobart Air added in its statement this morning.

Source: Irish Independent March 23, 2020 07:41 UTC