Aer Lingus identity a ‘betrayal’ for Irish

Furious Irish designers claim the decision by national airline Aer Lingus to use London-based Luxon Carr for its new corporate identity undermines the credibility of the Irish design industry. The new identity was unveiled last month (DW 16 February).

A spokesman for the Irish Graphic Design Business Association says the Aer Lingus identity symbolises Ireland: “By allowing the commission to go abroad, Aer Lingus has undermined the credibility of the Irish design industry.”

Leading Irish artist Robert Ballagh, who has previously designed Irish stamps and banknotes, says he feels “depressed and betrayed” by Aer Lingus’ decision to use a foreign consultancy.

Aer Lingus sales and marketing director David Bunworth says Luxon Carr was chosen because of its previous airline work and because Aer Lingus felt the same degree of expertise did not exist in Ireland.

Luxon Carr’s managing director David Rowson says he is aware of the row but adds that Luxon Carr won the work in a credentials pitch against Irish consultancies.