Analysts in Dublin say that the planned Aer Lingus initial public offering (IPO) may slip into 2002 and will not happen before September this year at the earliest. Aer Lingus needs to resolve its dispute with cabin crew labour unions over pay before a bill can be put through the Irish Parliament. The issue of employee share options has yet to be finalised, and analysts say a severe downturn in the US economy could hit Aer Lingus - and the IPO - badly.

Source: Airline Business