Irish airline Aer Lingus said it would cut almost 800 jobs as it tried to save 97 million euros a year by 2011. Fewer flights, new working methods and new IT systems will see 676 jobs go, in addition to 100 staff who have already been told their contracts will end. Under the proposals higher-paid staff will see their basic salaries reduced, and all employees will see falls in the allowances they receive. The company lost 73.9 million euros in the six months to the end of June, more than three times the 21.6 million euros it lost a year earlier. Yesterday, British Airways said it would cut 1,700 jobs and freeze pay.