AER LINGUS’S finance director Seán Coyle has told investors that the airline is considering asking Airbus to allow it swap planned new long-haul aircraft deliveries for short-haul planes in a bid to help it trim its transatlantic schedule, which has been worst hit by recession. Mr Coyle made his remarks at a aviation seminar held in Dublin on Thursday. He said the airline was considering reducing its long-haul services by 10 per cent, with changes possibly being made to its winter 2009 schedule.

Aer Lingus is believed to have made losses on its transatlantic services for the past two years.

The swap is to avoid having to pay penalties to Airbus. Aer Lingus is due to take delivery of four new A320 long-haul aircraft in 2010 and 2011. This order was placed a time when the economy was booming but the economic slump has depressed transatlantic demand. A spokesman for Aer Lingus said no final decision had been made on the delivery of the new aircraft but a number of options were under consideration.

Aer Lingus’s directors are believed to have debated its long-haul options at a meeting yesterday. No decision was taken.

Aer Lingus currently operates eight aircraft on flights to the US from Dublin and Shannon.