Consumer confidence: retail chief
“America is selling very well for early next year because the flights have just been released for around Easter time, and St Patrick’s Day, we’ve had a good uptake on those,” she said.
“There’s also a good uptake on next year’s short Easter breaks.
“People are conscious that the longer this goes on, the demand for next year’s holidays is going to be higher. People are getting booked early for next year to get their price locked down because if they leave it demand is going to force prices to go up.”
Yesterday’s revelation about the crowded Aer Lingus flight to London sparked widespread fury on social media, with many readers expressing concern on the Belfast Telegraph’s Facebook page.
It underlines the problems that lie ahead in trying to restore consumer confidence.
Colin Thompson said he would think twice about flying with the carrier.
“I won’t fly Aer Lingus again until they make a statement as to why they flouted safety measures and put the lives of their passengers and crew at risk,” he added.
Nurse Angela Sayers called for the airline to be fined.
“NHS staff are dying because of working to contain this virus,” she said.
“People are burying loved ones. We stay in away from friends and family.
“This needs to be stopped and Aer Lingus fined.”
Patrick Carson, meanwhile, said: “What was Aer Lingus thinking of?”
Terry Cowie added: “All the people on that flight should hang their heads in shame. Life comes before work.”