A tale of two airlines: Pandemic leaves Aer Lingus and Ryanair in very different places

Aer Lingus, which posted a half-year operating loss of €200 million, is hoping the resumption of travel to the US next month will ease its financial difficulties, while Ryanair has cash reserves of more than €4 billion and is heading for a busy run-up to Christmas and into the new year

Planes grounded during lockdown: Aer Lingus estimates it lost about €1 million a day over the first half of 2021. Picture: Getty