It has also achieved strong growth on the transatlantic market. In a bid to improve Aer Lingus' performance further, a IR£50 million (US$70 million) five-year cost-cutting programme is underway. The company aims to raise the return on sales significantly, from the 5 per cent it achieved in 1996 to 7 per cent. Cost savings may be even more necessary in the light of Ryanair's European Court action against the European Commission. This could force Aer Lingus to pay back the second, IR£50 million tranche of state aid authorised in 1995. At an oral hearing held at the end of May Ryanair, represented by law firm Norton Rose, accused the Commission of 'failing in its duty' to make Aer Lingus comply with its own original conditions on restructuring and capacity. Ryanair's O'Leary hopes for a decision 'before the end of the year'. Source: Airline Business