Aer Lingus are looking to shed around 100 staff by the end of the year. The move is part of a cost saving plan and the company's ongoing requirement to streamline the organisation.

The news comes as the national carrier releases saw a 3.3% increase in revenue for the first quarter of this year.

Total passenger numbers increased by 2.2% whilst the overall yield per passenger increased by 3.7%.

Long-haul flight passengers were up by 5.6% while fare revenues were 6.5% higher year on year.

'Need to streamline our organisation'

Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller said "While we had expected increased operating costs in the first quarter, the Q1 performance highlights the need to continue to review our cost base to protect profitability for the rest of 2013 and beyond".

"In line with the ongoing requirement to streamline our organisation structure and identify cost saving initiatives, we are launching a voluntary severance programme, with a goal of reducing headcount by approximately 100 staff by year end" he added.

Mr. Mueller admitted that "there are challenges ahead" but that the carrier is "committed to continuing the profitable growth of our business".

Newstalk's Business Editor Ian Guider says the loss is being blamed on the UK business.