Irish airline Aer Lingus has said it is capable of performing well despite the announcement of higher landing charges at Heathrow Airport.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Dermot Mannion, chief executive of the carrier, said that while it does not welcome the increased charges announced by the Civil Aviation Authority earlier this week, it enjoys "strong" demand at the hub.

The increased charges will come into full effect by 2013.

"Business at all of our Heathrow routes is strong and we expect it to stay that way. We will continue to remain a very significant player at Heathrow well into the future," he commented.

Mr Mannion also explained the airline's decision to axe its Dubai route in favour of more flights to the USA.

He said that it was "no secret" the carrier was planning to take full advantage of the open skies agreement and stated this has been fulfilled through the introduction of new services to San Francisco, Orlando and Washington from Ireland.

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