British Airways parent IAG officially welcomed Aer Lingus into the group today following the completion of the deal to buy the Irish airline.
IAG’s bid was conditional on the acceptance of Ryanair to sell its 30% stake in Aer Lingus which it formally agreed today (August 18).
As a result all the conditions of the sale of Aer Lingus have been met, IAG said in a statement to the London Stock Market.
IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said: “We’d like to welcome Aer Lingus into IAG.
“It will remain an iconic Irish brand with its base and management team in Ireland but will now grow as part of a strong, profitable airline group.
“This means new routes and more jobs benefitting customers, employees and the Irish economy and tourism”.
IAG has received acceptance of the deal from shareholders rep representing 95.77% of the existing issued share capital of Aer Lingus.