Irish airline Aer Lingus said Chief Executive Officer Dermot Mannion has resigned in the wake of huge losses in 2008. My decision to step down will allow a new CEO to bring fresh thinking and new ideas to the business, Mannion said in a statement Monday on the airline's Web site. Chairman Colm Barrington will take over the executive responsibilities on an interim basis, the airline said. The airline lost $161 million in 2008.

CHICAGO, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aer Lingus and United Airlines (UAUA) today announce an innovative extension of their relationship on select long haul services between Europe and North America.

CHICAGO, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aer Lingus and United Airlines have begun a codesharing agreement enabling United customers to book connecting flights on Aer Lingus' network for travel from Nov. 1, 2008.

Aer Lingus bosses were last night exploring fundamental cost- cutting measures to cope with massive losses. The airline blamed a 50 per cent hike in fuel costs for plunging it 22.3 million euro (pounds 17.9 million) into the red during the first six months of the year.

By ROBIN MORTON AER Lingus today posted operating losses of more than EUR 22m for the first six months of this year - despite a boost in revenue and passenger numbers. The airline blamed increasing fuel costs for the losses, saying that fuel costs had jumped by 48.7% year on year.