Sir, - Over the past 10 years I have travelled extensively using many different airlines and would rate the service of Aer Lingus as the best bar none. While travelling during the last several weeks, I have experienced the same standard from a staff who are facing great uncertainty about their future, and indeed could be considered to be facing greater personal risk from the ongoing threat of terrorism.
The financial state of the airline is not their doing, but a legacy of mismanagement by the governments of the past decades, compounded by the recent events.
These people should not be castigated, but praised for bearing up in the face of adversity.
A slightly different angle: I am planning a trip to the United States next week; my projected fare with Aer Lingus is over £2,000, but I can pay £1,000 and go with Virgin. There is obviously still some work required on this front. - Yours, etc.,
Declan Service, Foxrock Wood, Dublin 18.