Aer Lingus today reported a fall in November passenger numbers with big decline in US traffic.

Aer Lingus' total passenger numbers decreased by 3.6% in November 2008 compared to November 2007, being a 1.2% reduction on short haul and a 17.2% decrease on long haul. The airline said the reduction in traffic reflected the uncertainty created by the notice of industrial action received during the month and the continuing weakness of the US long haul market.  

Short haul load factor was 71.8%, which was on par with 2007 and in the context of a capacity increase of 2.4% year on year.  

Long haul load factor was 72.9%, down from 81.0% in 2007, with capacity decreasing by 10.8%.

Ryanair has told the Government it will give it outright control over Aer Lingus slots at Heathrow airport, promised to recognise trade unions in Aer Lingus and to restore one morning and one evening flight linking Shannon and Heathrow.

Ryanair is also reported to have promised to provide a €100 million bank guarantee that it would cut short-haul fares in Aer Lingus by 5% in each of the three years after any takeover and promised a further €100 million guarantee to eliminate fuel surcharges within a month of any deal.