The number of cancelled Aer Lingus flights “don’t add up”, according to the President of the Irish Air Line Pilots' Association (IALPA). 

Aer Lingus has cancelled over 270 over the next week as pilots begin work-to-rule industrial action. 

Tens of thousands of passengers’ flights have been cancelled due to the indefinite work-to-rule. 

The airline said yesterday it is calling on IALPA to “consider the damage that its continued industrial action is inflicting upon passengers, the company and the Irish economy”. 

IALPA President Mark Tighe, however, said the number of cancellations “don’t add up”. 

“A small number of pilots are not working days off anymore,” he told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“It beggars belief - the numbers don't add up unless they have a staggering shortage of pilots. 

“Every pilot does not work [on their] days off, most people don't work days off. 

“To have up to 20% of flights cancelled because a small minority of pilots who worked days off no longer will require questions.” 

Aer Lingus 'extremely profitable'

Pilots will continue their industrial action – including an eight-hour strike on Saturday – until an agreement is reached with senior management on pay increases. 

Mr Tighe said the company is “extremely profitable” - so a 24% pay increase for pilots won’t harm its survival. 

He said the refusal to increase salaries is "corporate greed".

“[Profits] in the very short term, will be affected, but in the long term, I don't believe so.” 

Both Aer Lingus and IALPA had separate meetings with the Labour Court yesterday ahead of pilots beginning their work-to-rule. 

A stop sign at Dublin Airport with an Aer Lingus plan in the background. Image: RollingNews.ie

Aer Lingus Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Donal Moriarity told reporters yesterday it’s “clear that the impact of the dispute is ongoing and impactful”.  

 “[Cancellations] will continue unless there is a resolution found,” he said.  

 “We will be hopeful that today's developments and developments over the coming days may help in that regard.” 

Pilots are seeking a 24% pay increase as a "cumulative inflationary increase".  

 Mr Moriarty previously told Newstalk that IALPA is “unwilling or unable to enter into meaningful, direct discussions”. 

Aer Lingus has been contacted for further comment.