Preliminary results (unaudited) for the year ended 31 December 2010

Dublin, London, 28 February 2011: Aer Lingus Group plc (“Aer Lingus”, “the Group”) today announced its unaudited preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2010.

Highlights

2010 was a difficult year; Dublin Airport  passengers declined by 10% (2009: 13%), impact of ash and weather disruptions

Changed business strategy has delivered profit in 2010

The full year operating profit was €57.6 million in 2010, despite 10% less passengers, compared to an operating loss of €81.0 million in 2009

The 2010 average yield per passenger was up 12.0%

The transatlantic business was restored to profitability

Ancillary revenue per passenger of €17.67 was up 5.5% compared to 2009

€41.4 million Greenfield cost savings were delivered in 2010 with an annualised run rate of €53.9 million

The group maintained a strong balance sheet with year end gross cash of €885.0 million compared to €828.5m at 31 December 2009

The 2010 financial outcome was marred by the need to take an exceptional charge of €32.5m for the estimated cost of a settlement with the Irish Revenue Commissioners (“the Revenue”) for taxation arising from a redundancy scheme negotiated in 2008 and implemented in 2009.   This amount relates to PAYE, PRSI, interest, penalties and related costs. Further details are provided in the accompanying financial statements and commentary.

Christoph Mueller, Aer Lingus’ CEO commented: “Aer Lingus generated a positive operating result of €57.6 million in 2010. This result represents a swing in profitability of €138.6 million compared to 2009 and has been achieved despite adverse economic conditions in our core Irish market and significant operational challenges caused by volcanic ash and weather related disruptions in 2010.

We expect significant challenges in 2011, with trading for the year likely to be impacted by fuel price inflation and increased airport charges in combination with difficult conditions in our home market. We do not expect that improvements in yield performance and ongoing cost savings can offset these increased costs. If current fuel prices persist, we expect that 2011 operating profit will be significantly below that of 2010.”

A presentation for shareholders and analysts will be held on 28 February 2011 at 9am.  This will be available on a live audio webcast at www.aerlingus.com.