AER LINGUS got clearance from shareholders yesterday to purchase 12 long-haul aircraft from Airbus, in spite of Ryanair voting against the motion.

At an extraordinary general meeting held in Dublin, 36 per cent of the 427.8 million proxies cast were voted against the proposal, with the balance in favour.

Commenting on Ryanair's decision to oppose the motion, Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion said: "It is any shareholder's privilege to vote any way they want. The important thing today is that this was a very significant motion. It's been carried; it's the largest aircraft order ever by Aer Lingus so it's a hugely important project for us and we're very happy with that.

"The motion is carried and that's all we needed today. We believe we bought the right aircraft at the right price at the right time and I'll stand over that."

Ryanair, which owns 29.3 per cent of Aer Lingus, said the outcome showed "how little influence or control we have over Aer Lingus".

Mr Mannion declined to comment on the ongoing industrial relations difficulties the airline is having with about 1,800 ground staff, who have refused to accept proposals to change their work practices. "We are very happy with the approval we have achieved with the pilots and cabin crew and I have no further comment at this time."

Mr Mannion said Aer Lingus would oppose plans to increase the cost of check-in desks at Dublin airport and to introduce charges for self-service kiosks.

"We have made it clear all along that we don't agree there should be an increase in the cost of check-in desks at Dublin airport, nor indeed that there should be a charge for self-service kiosks, and we will take whatever avenues are available with the regulator to have that decision reversed."