Aer Lingus cabin crew based in Belfast have accepted a ballot on a revised pay agreement, worth a total of 5%, which covers the period October 2017 to September 2019.

Cabin crew on the maximum point of their scales are set to receive a pay adjustment of 2.5% dating back to October 2017. A further 2.5% increase is due in October 2018.

The agreement also provides for performance-related rewards for meeting/exceeding key performance indicators (KPIs) and an increased commission on domestic flights, up from 8.25% to 10%.

KPI targets for 2017 have already been met and will be paid within a month. Fórsa official Ashley Connolly, who negotiated the deal, said she understood that crew are also on target to meet KPIs in 2018. If targets are met, crew will receive payment for 2018 in January.

The revised agreement was negotiated earlier this year with Aer Lingus management, and Fórsa members within the Belfast cabin crew were balloted on the deal in August. The ballot was returned unanimously in favour of accepting the deal.

Ashley also confirmed that discussions on a successor agreement, to take effect from the summer of 2019, will commence shortly.