The International Airlines Group (IAG) has published its full offer document as part of its bid for Aer Lingus.
The IAG document pledges to keep the airline's brand and head office in Ireland, boost connectivity and keep the Heathrow landing slots for seven years.
The document states: "The Independent Aer Lingus Directors believe that Aer Lingus’ growth in short haul services will be enhanced with services, including between Dublin, Cork, Shannon and London Heathrow, directly benefiting from sales and marketing activity conducted on its behalf by the British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and oneworld partner sales forces"
It adds: "Ireland’s location in the west of Europe makes it a natural gateway to connect Europe and North America, and the Independent Aer Lingus Directors believe that the Offer can enable Ireland to become a hub for traffic across the Atlantic resulting in better utilisation of the infrastructural investment that has taken place in Irish airports."
The document says that additional transatlantic traffic, increased European flows and an increase in the number of destinations are expected to see an overall increase in employment in Ireland "through the creation of both new direct and highly skilled jobs within Aer Lingus and new indirect jobs in support activities and the tourism sector."
It says that by the end of 2016, it is estimated that there would be employment growth of some 150 employees - with that rising to 635 new jobs by 2020.
An extraordinary general meeting of Aer Lingus shareholders will be held in Dublin on July 16th to discuss the €1.4bn offer.
If the takeover goes ahead, shareholders will get €2.55 per Aer Lingus share.
Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe told Newstalk Breakfast the publishing of the offer moves things on.
