Aer Lingus (ATDB)

Name	Alias	IATA	ICAO	Country	Base	Dates
Aer Lingus	Irish International Airlines	EI+IN;EI	EIN	Ireland	Dublin	1936-
Formed by Irish governement, starting operations on 28/5/36. Transatlantic services initially operated by division Aerlinte Eireann (Irish Air Lines) with IATA designator IN, until 1977. Joined OneWorld alliance in 1999, quitted in 5/06 (effective 1/4/07). 14.9% share transferred to employees. Approach from Emirates AL for a majority purchase failed in 2002. Management buy-out initiated in 2004, did not proceed. IPO of majority (50.2%) shares launched 27/9/06; hostile take-over offer announced 5/10/06 by Ryanair after purchase of 16% (incrased to 25.2% by 30/11/06), lapsed 20/12/06, increased againto 29.4% in 8/07; take-over attempt launched again in 11/08 by Ryanair for 70% control of Aer Lingus, abandonned 22/1/09. Started "Aer Lingus Regional" brand in 3/10 operated by Aer Arann (qv). 2.987% purchased by Etihad Airways (announced17/10/11 for "up to 25%", completed 1/5/12); increased to 3.01% in 2/14, to 4.11% in 3/14. One more take-over project launched 17/7/12 by Ryanair, rejected 2/13 by EU. Purchase proposals from IAG (British Airways) received in 12/14-1/15 and purchase of 98.05% completed on 2/9/15. De-listed from stock market on 17/9/15.