Aer Lingus’ Potential Manchester Base Closure: Underperformance Or Retaliation?

Aer Lingus’ Manchester base is reportedly ‘significantly underperforming,’ although there is no public data on what this supposed poor performance looks like. Still, Aer Lingus UK operates just two routes in the summer and three in the winter, with only two aircraft based in Manchester, so, with such a small operation, it is almost impossible to make a fair comparison with larger bases. As such, it feels strange that the company has launched a formal review of the Manchester base during an ongoing pay dispute with its crew.

Aer Lingus UK has said it will not enter any further negotiations, even though there is a noticeable pay gap between British-based crew and Irish-based crew. The airline has also switched its Manchester services from the Airbus A321LR to the A330, indicating that demand is strong. From my own flights, and those of family and friends, the aircraft have generally been full. With lower fares than competitors such as Virgin Atlantic, and connections through British Airways, it offers consumers flexible options and competitive pricing.

As such, you have to wonder whether this is actually underperformance, or if it is mismanagement? Has Aer Lingus been too slow in expanding its fleet and adding new routes, leaving the Manchester base with limited economies of scale? Of course, flights to Boston were meant to launch in early 2022. Closing the Manchester base would only harm consumers and leave fewer choices for key transatlantic destinations.

Is this truly a coincidence, or is this retaliation against the crew who are standing up to a company that appears unwilling to engage in proper discussions? Have you flown with Aer Lingus UK to or from Manchester? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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