Aer Lingus Chief Executive Dermot Mannion

Dermot Mannion, Chief Executive of Aer Lingus must have been badly in need of a good news story given the exaggeration that has accompanied the announcement of an agreement with US low-cost carrier JetBlue, to exchange web links.

Terming the exchange of web links a "pioneering strategic partnership," is reminiscent of the hyperbole during the dot.com period when any bit of spin was spun into a virtual yarn.

As to the significance for JetBlue of the "exciting and significant development for Aer Lingus and for Irish consumers" that "changes the face of access to North America for the Irish travelling public," it simply ignored the issue.

JetBlue Airways Corporation, a Nasdaq listed company, issued two press releases on Tuesday. None related to the Aer Lingus agreement.

The Irish Times reports that the Aer Lingus announcement seemed to catch JetBlue on the hop. The American airline, which was founded in 1999 by David Neeleman, said that no deal had yet been agreed but it was hoped to conclude negotiations by the end of the year.

In response, Mannion said: "There are details that still need to be worked out but the agreement is there."

Aer Lingus said pricing and the revenue-sharing arrangements have yet to be finalised. In addition, the two airlines still have to agree on various customer services issues, including the checking-in of baggage from Dublin or Shannon to a final destination in the US or elsewhere.

It is to say the least bizarre, that one side to what in effect is not an agreement, issues a statement claiming a "pioneering strategic partnership."

For business travellers, in particular through London Heathrow, the withdrawal of Aer Lingus from the real-world Oneworld airline alliance, from the end of next month (March 31, 2007) will have more practical implications in terms of the additional hassle in getting boarding cards for connecting flights.