In a statement to shareholders on Friday, Aer Lingus said that it now strongly favors its acquisition by IAG. IAG has stated that it will not proceed with its takeover bid without government support – the airline group has been lobbying government officials in Dublin to approve the takeover and sell its 25.1% stake in the airline.
Aer Lingus Chairman Colm Barrington remarked that IAG’s offer of €2.55 a share shows that "a combination of Aer Lingus with IAG has a compelling strategic rationale and will deliver significant benefits for Aer Lingus, its employees, its customers and for Ireland". Barrington has also stated that an IAG takeover would allow the airline to grow most strongly on North American routes, with Dublin Airport likely to grow as "a natural gateway" for trans-Atlantic travelers.