Eversheds and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton have advised on a €150m (£128m) deal that could see airline Flybe acquire 43 short-haul routes operated by Aer Lingus.

The Irish carrier is currently subject to a €694m (£592m) takeover offer from budget airline Ryanair. However, the deal is under scrutiny by the European Commission due to concern a deal could create a monopoly on 46 routes out of Ireland.