Credit Suisse First Boston and Davy Stockbrokers have been selected as joint lead managers for the Aer Lingus flotation. Along with AIB and Schroder Salomon Smith Barney - the global co-ordinators and lead managers - they will market the shares to the institutional investors.

The Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke welcomed the appointment saying she expected to have the necessary legislation enacted by the Dail in the next session. The Aer Lingus flotation was scheduled for the end of this year, but is now not expected to go ahead until next year.