Mr. Willie Walsh:

Aer Lingus is not taking traffic away from IAG in the north of England because it is principally serving airports that IAG does not serve. We see this as complementing the IAG model and that is what is in it for us. We see Aer Lingus as a growth model and being able to grow faster and in a more extensive fashion simply because it would have the support of IAG, particularly on the transatlantic routes. It is not taking business away from us. Some people might have the opportunity to fly from Scotland over Heathrow to North America or from Scotland to North America via Dublin but if one looks at the performance of our transatlantic routes, one can see that our seat factors exceed those of Aer Lingus. It is well known to be a very successful part of the IAG network, particularly so given that we have a joint business.

Our approach is subject to an irrevocable undertaking from the Irish Government and Ryanair to major shareholders to sell their shares. That is what we are seeking. The commitments we give are based on IAG acquiring ownership of Aer Lingus. We are not prepared to give those commitments in the absence of that.

In respect of our growth plans, we have had access to the Aer Lingus business plan. We think it is credible. It has an element of risk. We think that this stated Aer Lingus growth plan, which would involve the addition of four long-haul aircraft between now and 2019, can be better achieved through the support IAG can provide. We believe there is an opportunity to enhance and accelerate that growth plan. Anything that grows long-haul aircraft will have an immediate positive effect on direct jobs and the amount of traffic feeding into that.

I love Cork. It should be remembered that by the time I left Cork, we had started more direct services from Cork to continental Europe than Aer Lingus had operated from Dublin in 2001 when I took over at Aer Lingus. I know the opportunity that exists there. I have been surprised to see a decline in traffic at Cork Airport and I strongly believe that this can be reversed.

Shannon is perfectly located for growth on the transatlantic routes. It has the advantage of customs and border pre-clearance, which is also enjoyed by Dublin. It is a particularly attractive market from the US into the west of Ireland. We see that as a growth opportunity. There is the potential to feed traffic into Shannon to connect on to those transatlantic services as well.