Substantial interest in share capital of Aer Lingus
01-May-2012 Aer Lingus Group plc ("Aer Lingus", "the Group") is aware of speculation that Etihad Airways ("Etihad") has acquired a shareholding in the Group. Aer Lingus confirms that Etihad has acquired a holding of 2.987% of the Group's issued share capital. Etihad has stated to Aer Lingus that it does not intend to increase this stake, pending the outcome of the discussions referred to below.
Aer Lingus and Etihad are engaged in discussions which to date have focused on reciprocal code-share opportunities. Future discussions may explore additional commercial and cost opportunities to develop a closer working relationship in areas such as joint procurement. Aer Lingus views these discussions as a natural progression of its successful Greenfield cost reduction programme. There can be no certainty as to the outcome of these discussions.
Further updates will be provided if and when appropriate.