Aer Lingus has reported operating losses for the first quarter of the year to the end of March of €48.4m, unchanged from the same period last year. Airlines generally tend to report operating losses during this period.

The airline says its revenues grew by nearly 8 percent during the period to €280m, driven by a near 40 percent lift in sales on long-haul routes to the value of €82.5m.

Revenues from short-haul flights slipped by more than €6m during the quarter, there is evidence of very strong competition on these routes out of Irish airports.

Analysts predict Aer Lingus to make operating profits of €90m – €95m in the current year.

Meanwhile, Newstalk understands that there has been hard-nosed engagement between Ryanair and advisers to the IAG bid for Aer Lingus and that it’s still not clear whether Ryanair will sell at the €2.55 per share offer price.

Other issues still complicating the process include the current stand-off between SIPTU and the Department of Transport over the tendering of bus routes currently operated by Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann.

The Aer Lingus AGM takes place on Friday (Mat 1st).