Aer Lingus management warned that the strike could be catastrophic.

Aer Lingus workers have done their best to rally support from the government

The airline had already been in financial difficulties prior to the 11 September attacks in the United States, which has led to a downturn in air passenger numbers worldwide.

Impact, which is the Irish pilots' union, balloted the pilots last week.

The decision was taken in response to a redundancy package which the union described as "discriminatory and unfair".

Shed further jobs

Compulsory redundancy notices were also issued to 10 junior Aer Lingus pilots.

Impact said the compulsory redundancy notices must be withdrawn in order to avoid industrial action.

Staff told of a survival scheme costing 2,500 jobs

The one-day strike is expected to take place on 11 February.

Aer Lingus has said it still needs to shed 80 further pilots as part of its survival plan.

Last year, Aer Lingus announced a restructuring package with the aim to sell up to 35% of the carrier.

The plan aimed to shed about a third of Aer Lingus' workforce of 6,300.

Last time Aer Lingus went through a major restructuring, during the late 1990s, the airline's severance pay stretched far.

Redundant workers were paid between 50,000 and 90,000 punts.

Under European Commission rules, state aid for airlines has been banned.