03/06/2009
Aer Lingus Staff On Board Lost Air France Flight
Irish flag-carrier, Aer Lingus has confirmed that two of its employees were on board the Air France flight that disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean on Monday.
It is understood that the men were from eastern Europe and had worked as baggage handlers at Dublin airport.
Their names are being withheld until relatives in Estonia can be informed.
Wreckage thought to be from the missing Air France plane has been spotted in seas several hundred miles off the coast of northern Brazil. The plane was en route to Paris.
A spokesman for Aer Lingus said: "Aer Lingus would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the staff and all those lost in this terrible accident.
"The airline is providing support services to staff who may have been affected by this incident.
"Aer Lingus is working closely with Air France, the French authorities and the respective embassies of the two staff members at this difficult time."
The two men were also members of the trade union Siptu. A spokesman for the union said they were "saddened" to hear of the deaths.
"Our sympathies go out to members of their families, some of whom are also living and working in Ireland.
"Our sympathies also go out to the families of Aisling Butler, Jane Deasy and Eithne Walls whose lives were tragically cut short by this terrible disaster," a statement said.
Meanwhile, the search continues for the plane's black box, which could reveal the cause of the disaster.
Brazilian military planes are scouring the area today where a three mile path of wreckage was found in the Atlantic Ocean.
If the wreckage is confirmed to be that of the missing Airbus A330, which was holding 228 passengers, it will be the worst disaster in the 75-year history of Air France.
(DW/BMcC)
It is understood that the men were from eastern Europe and had worked as baggage handlers at Dublin airport.
Their names are being withheld until relatives in Estonia can be informed.
Wreckage thought to be from the missing Air France plane has been spotted in seas several hundred miles off the coast of northern Brazil. The plane was en route to Paris.
A spokesman for Aer Lingus said: "Aer Lingus would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the staff and all those lost in this terrible accident.
"The airline is providing support services to staff who may have been affected by this incident.
"Aer Lingus is working closely with Air France, the French authorities and the respective embassies of the two staff members at this difficult time."
The two men were also members of the trade union Siptu. A spokesman for the union said they were "saddened" to hear of the deaths.
"Our sympathies go out to members of their families, some of whom are also living and working in Ireland.
"Our sympathies also go out to the families of Aisling Butler, Jane Deasy and Eithne Walls whose lives were tragically cut short by this terrible disaster," a statement said.
Meanwhile, the search continues for the plane's black box, which could reveal the cause of the disaster.
Brazilian military planes are scouring the area today where a three mile path of wreckage was found in the Atlantic Ocean.
If the wreckage is confirmed to be that of the missing Airbus A330, which was holding 228 passengers, it will be the worst disaster in the 75-year history of Air France.
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 June 2009
Gardaí Send Officers To Assist At Air France Disaster
The Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has announced that he will deploy two members of Garda to Brazil to support the authorities in the investigation and assist with the identification of bodies.
Gardaí Send Officers To Assist At Air France Disaster
The Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has announced that he will deploy two members of Garda to Brazil to support the authorities in the investigation and assist with the identification of bodies.
08 June 2009
Lightning Strikes Aer Lingus Flight
Aer Lingus has confirmed one of its flights was struck by lightning during take-off on Monday morning. A spokesman for the airline said the aircraft immediately returned to Dublin Airport, which he said was standard procedure. The Airbus A320 was on its way to Heathrow when the strike occurred at around 11.30am.
Lightning Strikes Aer Lingus Flight
Aer Lingus has confirmed one of its flights was struck by lightning during take-off on Monday morning. A spokesman for the airline said the aircraft immediately returned to Dublin Airport, which he said was standard procedure. The Airbus A320 was on its way to Heathrow when the strike occurred at around 11.30am.
06 February 2009
Dublin Airport Cancels Freezing Flights
Dublin Airport has cancelled and delayed number of flights following freezing weather conditions. Passengers are being advised to contact their airline or handling agent before coming to the airport as 12 Aer Lingus flights have been cancelled, as well as one British Airways flight and an Air France flight.
Dublin Airport Cancels Freezing Flights
Dublin Airport has cancelled and delayed number of flights following freezing weather conditions. Passengers are being advised to contact their airline or handling agent before coming to the airport as 12 Aer Lingus flights have been cancelled, as well as one British Airways flight and an Air France flight.
04 February 2008
Shannon Reconnected
Air France's new twice-daily City Jet service between Shannon and Paris began operating today, with the first departure at 9.39 this morning. Local business and tourism authorities hope the flights can help restore international connectivity to the Mid West since last year’s decision by Aer Lingus to transfer its Heathrow routes to Belfast.
Shannon Reconnected
Air France's new twice-daily City Jet service between Shannon and Paris began operating today, with the first departure at 9.39 this morning. Local business and tourism authorities hope the flights can help restore international connectivity to the Mid West since last year’s decision by Aer Lingus to transfer its Heathrow routes to Belfast.
09 January 2008
Shannon Fights Back After Aer Lingus' Departure
Despite the departure of a major Aer Lingus route from Shannon Airport in favour of its new 'hub' in Belfast, the Irish airport has reported record passenger numbers of 3.6 million for last year. The airport says international traffic increased by 6% during 2007, while the number taking short-haul trips was up 10%.
Shannon Fights Back After Aer Lingus' Departure
Despite the departure of a major Aer Lingus route from Shannon Airport in favour of its new 'hub' in Belfast, the Irish airport has reported record passenger numbers of 3.6 million for last year. The airport says international traffic increased by 6% during 2007, while the number taking short-haul trips was up 10%.