Aer Lingus CE: “we welcome new entrants” in transatlantic market

Ireland’s pro-aviation policy, embracing deregulation and liberalising market access, is visionary and helps enable growth among airlines, lessors, MROs and aviation and travel companies, the CE of Aer Lingus said. Aer Lingus CE Stephen Kavanagh spoke about the importance of liberalisation, competition and the advantages that Ireland’s geographic location offers airlines. The company has been growing at a compound rate of 12% since 2010 and in the past 12 months produced operating margins of 8.5%, Kavanagh said. “We’re small, but perfectly formed and fit for purpose,” he said. “Aer Lingus has successfully made that journey from state-owned to private company,” Kavanagh noted. “I would suggest to you that market access, combined with visionary deregulation and a liberalised environment, are key factors in that success.” <br/>