BrianDromey From Ireland, joined exactly 3 years ago today! , 2957 posts, RR: 10 Posted (5 months 2 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 6860 times:
Our hallowed leader seems to be AWOL at the minute - perhaps he is enjoying the fine weather. So to prevent things getting too long I welcome you all to 18/09.
As usual nothing much has changed, FR are taking a swipe at the DAA, EI are 'reviewing' routes, examining business plans and attempting to create a viable carrier for the future. There is a long history of Irish carriers, Im sure eirJet, Translift/TransAer, Aer Turas and Futura Gael are but a few of the names consigned to the history books. Perhaps some of us have fond memories of these past carriers?
Safe flying and enjoy the sunshine.
Next flights: ORK-MAN (WW); MAN-ORK (EI) DUB-HHN-DUB(FR)
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 1, posted (5 months 2 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 6860 times:
Go raibh míle maith agat Brian.
The other thread got quite long so its a good time to start fresh. Our leader must be enjoying Jersey in the Sun which I have heard is lovely !! Mind you Ireland for the last while has been amazing weather wise and long may it last. Great for spotting trips at DUB/ORK/SNN.
--------
Just in case people missed it from previous thread.
Norwegian will start thrice weekly DUB-OSL from 20th August . Nice to see some new metal in DUB. Operated by B737-300 and fares from €34.50 each way all in. Not bad at all. Just prepare to spend loads when your there LOL...
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 3, posted (5 months 2 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 6841 times:
Quoting BestWestern (Reply 2): Oslo is a fantastic city, and really hope that this route works
I have only transited but I have heard its lovely although one of our guides in Tromso said they had a huge drug problem. I was quite surprised. I fell in love with Norway a few years back when I did the Fjords Cruise. My last trip to the Arctic Circle in March was amazing also. Id love to go back to Norway and especially to see Oslo so might try DY.
I see Jet Star are looking at European routes with their A330's. I wonder if they would ever be interested in DUB Via somewhere. They were tipped to be looking into an agreement with EI to offer budget IRL-AUS flights but its now been shelved. I just wonder how far West they intend to go , they are looking at ATH and FCO and say they want to do their own flights rather than tie up with European carriers. That was the reason given for breaking off talks with EI
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 1144 posts, RR: 6 Reply 4, posted (5 months 2 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 6801 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 3): I have only transited but I have heard its lovely although one of our guides in Tromso said they had a huge drug problem. I was quite surprised. I fell in love with Norway a few years back when I did the Fjords Cruise. My last trip to the Arctic Circle in March was amazing also. Id love to go back to Norway and especially to see Oslo so might try DY.
Norwegians can sometimes be a bit naive when it comes to things like that, and dont often realise the scale of such problems elsewhere in the world. Also, those from outside Oslo tend to be very critical of the capital city (remind you of anywhere????
No offence to Norwegians, it can be a very endearing trait of theirs that they still get shocked at social problems like that.
That said, my first trip to Oslo resulted in me finding a used syringe in the McDonalds in Alte brygge......
Nice city though, not great for shopping, but everything else is pretty tip top.
Flown EI,FR,RE,EIR,VE,SI,TLA,BA,BE,BD,VX,MON,AF,YS,WX,KL,SK,LH,OK,OS,LX,IB,LTU,HLX,4U,SU,CO,DL,UA,AC,PR,MH,SQ,QF, EY
Kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 8622 posts, RR: 35 Reply 5, posted (5 months 2 weeks 1 day ago) and read 6760 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 1): Our leader must be enjoying Jersey in the Sun which I have heard is lovely
Actually, no, he's in beautiful downtown Athy, for a 40th birthday party, then heading back to JER on Monday, via LPL. Went to Kilrush airfield today, which is actually quite a charming place; saw an Extra 300 taking off; a few helis too.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 3): Tromso said they had a huge drug problem.
Tromso is very far north, so you get very bright winters and very dark winters and this can play havoc with the system. You will see similar symptoms in Punta Arenas, in southern Chile.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 3): see Jet Star are looking at European routes with their A330's. I wonder if they would ever be interested in DUB Via somewhere
Someone really should, if not Jetstar then Air Asia. We really need to be more forthright and aggressive in developing new tourist markets.
"What are we going to do tonight, Brain?" "Same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world".
Shamrock321 From Ireland, joined May 2008, 786 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (5 months 2 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 6666 times:
Bad day for EI longhaul again. EI104 was delayed about 3 hours last night due to NYC weather which resulted in alot of passengers missing connection, the queue at the transfer desk was unreal! I heard someone mention about 180 transfer passengers !
So this morning AGP and FAO flights were A330s which resulted in the AGP flight being delayed 3 hours and that has had a knock on effect for the 109/108 today.
Perhaps using the A330s on more than 1 European flight isnt such a good idea.
Shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 1144 posts, RR: 6 Reply 8, posted (5 months 2 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 6616 times:
Quoting COEI2007 (Reply 7): On the plus side, up to 180 transfer pax off EI104 is good to hear of!
Indeed it is, and shows the potential of the T/A routes to generate transfer business. Now if EI could just get their act together harmonising their other T/A routes to faciliate connections.
I am hoping T2 is the key which unlocks this potential fully.
Flown EI,FR,RE,EIR,VE,SI,TLA,BA,BE,BD,VX,MON,AF,YS,WX,KL,SK,LH,OK,OS,LX,IB,LTU,HLX,4U,SU,CO,DL,UA,AC,PR,MH,SQ,QF, EY
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 9, posted (5 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 6580 times:
Lufthansa fares well in turbulent times
THESE ARE turbulent times for airlines, but May, at least, appears to have been a strong month for Lufthansa, which increased traffic on its Dublin to Frankfurt route by 4.5 per cent year on year.
Marianne Sammann, Lufthansa’s general manager for the UK and Ireland, paid a flying visit to Dublin this week and told me that the airline carried 21,247 passengers between the cities in May.
“This was very encouraging for us,” Sammann said, adding that fares are under pressure.
“The average price is very much down,” Sammann added. “[but] we are still operating profitably.”
While Lufthansa has achieved a healthy 75.5 per cent load factor on its flights from Dublin in the year to date, sales volumes have declined by 20 per cent.
BestWestern From Ireland, joined Sep 2000, 5081 posts, RR: 63 Reply 10, posted (5 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 6566 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 9): While Lufthansa has achieved a healthy 75.5 per cent load factor on its flights from Dublin in the year to date, sales volumes have declined by 20 per cent.
Well, they have dropped Munich, Hamburg and Berlin - so sales volumes would fall.
Does God get peeved if you dont use a capital 'g' ?
A RYANAIR Boeing 737 captain involved in a serious incident during a thunderstorm near Rome was psychologically unfit to fly and his co-pilot, who had no experience of flying in bad weather, could not navigate the aircraft properly, an inquiry by Italian air accident investigators has found.
The captain, a Polish national, had attended the funeral of his infant son only a few days previously and told investigators he didn’t take extra leave because he feared losing his job.
and hopefully EI can make some money on the atlantic...
Procrastinating may prove costly for travelers with a yen to see the world this summer.
Since Wednesday, airfares from Chicago to many cities in Europe have skyrocketed for flights taken through mid-August, the prime summer travel period for American families with school-age children.
Economy-class tickets to Frankfurt, Germany, more than doubled, to $1,149 round trip, during a 48-hour stretch, according to BestFares.com. Meanwhile, fares to Athens, Dublin, London, Paris and Rome have risen by anywhere from 45 percent to 78 percent.
Does God get peeved if you dont use a capital 'g' ?
''The Irish Airline Pilots Association said the IAA, which regulates Ryanair, should take part of the responsibility for the incident. “This serious incident focuses attention on a particular corporate culture in Irish aviation,” said association president Evan Cullen. “The very fact that an individual at the front line of a safety critical industry, is operating in fear of losing his job so soon after the death of his child raises serious concerns about the ability of the Irish Aviation Authority to regulate this industry.”
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Irish251 From Ireland, joined Nov 2004, 681 posts, RR: 3 Reply 14, posted (5 months 2 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 6490 times:
Quoting BrianDromey (Thread starter): There is a long history of Irish carriers, Im sure eirJet, Translift/TransAer, Aer Turas and Futura Gael are but a few of the names consigned to the history books. Perhaps some of us have fond memories of these past carriers?
Club Air comes to mind as well. This was set up by Club Travel and operated a handful of leased Boeing 727s, always in improvised colour schemes. For a while they also operated between DUB and LTN on the Virgin scheduled services (which had previously been flown with Viscounts).
Shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 1144 posts, RR: 6 Reply 16, posted (5 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 6478 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 13): ''The Irish Airline Pilots Association said the IAA, which regulates Ryanair, should take part of the responsibility for the incident. “This serious incident focuses attention on a particular corporate culture in Irish aviation,” said association president Evan Cullen. “The very fact that an individual at the front line of a safety critical industry, is operating in fear of losing his job so soon after the death of his child raises serious concerns about the ability of the Irish Aviation Authority to regulate this industry.”
Without wishing to stir up any negative feelings, the feeling within the industry is that FR have the IAA in their pockets.
It seems sometimes that only EI, RE and WX really have to follow the rules.
Yes, FR is a great Irish success story, but the perception and reality must always be that it is regulated to a world class standard. If not, if something does go badly wrong for FR one day, it will be game over, and another huge reputational knock for Ireland that will be quickly seized on by certain parties in countries that seem to consider themselves superior in this area........ I guess you can all figure out who I mean......
Flown EI,FR,RE,EIR,VE,SI,TLA,BA,BE,BD,VX,MON,AF,YS,WX,KL,SK,LH,OK,OS,LX,IB,LTU,HLX,4U,SU,CO,DL,UA,AC,PR,MH,SQ,QF, EY
Irish251 From Ireland, joined Nov 2004, 681 posts, RR: 3 Reply 17, posted (5 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 6475 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 15): Quoting Irish251 (Reply 14):
This was set up by Club Travel and operated a handful of leased Boeing 727s, always in improvised colour schemes
Do you mean the one in Abbey Street, Dublin??
Yes. At the time the company's main focus was on package holidays to the sun. The style of titling on the aircraft was the same as that of the travel agency.
Shamrock321 From Ireland, joined May 2008, 786 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (5 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 6451 times:
Good news about LH and DUB, Im flying with them in 2 weeks time DUB-FRA-DUB for the German GP, not that I can really afford a holiday at a time like this! Got 6 weeks minimum notice to redundancy during the week.
COEI2007 From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 1684 posts, RR: 7 Reply 20, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 6438 times:
EI has a full page ''We've bettered the rest'' advertisement on page 5 of the Sunday Independent Business section. Think its the first time I have seen an advertisement for Business, so hopefully a good sign of more to come!
EIDAA From Ireland, joined Oct 2006, 715 posts, RR: 21 Reply 21, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 6427 times:
Just sitting in the T5 Concorde Lounge in LHR. I had a good flight on EI-CVC this morning on the EIN154. Just wondering if any of our in house EI crew members were on that flight?
Shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 1144 posts, RR: 6 Reply 22, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 6403 times:
Quoting COEI2007 (Reply 20): EI has a full page ''We've bettered the rest'' advertisement on page 5 of the Sunday Independent Business section. Think its the first time I have seen an advertisement for Business, so hopefully a good sign of more to come!
Now, EI need to revamp the website if they are going to make a concerted effort to get high yield traffic. It still looks cheap (better than the red dot.. but still not what it could be...)
I dont think I need to mention what needs to happen with Gold Circle....
Flown EI,FR,RE,EIR,VE,SI,TLA,BA,BE,BD,VX,MON,AF,YS,WX,KL,SK,LH,OK,OS,LX,IB,LTU,HLX,4U,SU,CO,DL,UA,AC,PR,MH,SQ,QF, EY
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 3809 posts, RR: 22 Reply 25, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 6398 times:
Quoting Shamrock604 (Reply 22): I dont think I need to mention what needs to happen with Gold Circle....
Imagine a programme where you could earn points from credit card purchases... a programme where you should shop at Tesco and earn points... a programme where every flight, regardless of how cheap went towards earning status... where hire car rentals earned points...
Wait, that's most good frequent flyer programs! C'mon EI, step it up
I choose to fly oneworld, as a member of Qantas Frequent Flyer.
BestWestern From Ireland, joined Sep 2000, 5081 posts, RR: 63 Reply 26, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 6564 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 25):
Imagine a programme where you could earn points from credit card purchases... a programme where you should shop at Tesco and earn points... a programme where every flight, regardless of how cheap went towards earning status... where hire car rentals earned points...
I have a bmi mastercard. I think Delta still do a skymiles credit card for Ireland.
Both are with MBNA
Does God get peeved if you dont use a capital 'g' ?
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 27, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 6558 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 25): a programme where every flight, regardless of how cheap went towards earning status...
They need to really think hard about what they actually want and what they actually want to offer the client. All fares should earn points. ( even on a reduced scale) similar to other airline programs.
Another thing is that the Aer Lingus website should offer a system that allows you to select a points earning fare if you are willing to pay a bit more than the rock bottom to get points.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
EI320 From Ireland, joined Dec 2007, 988 posts, RR: 0 Reply 28, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 6576 times:
Quoting COEI2007 (Reply 20): EI has a full page ''We've bettered the rest'' advertisement on page 5 of the Sunday Independent Business section. Think its the first time I have seen an advertisement for Business, so hopefully a good sign of more to come!
It's a nice advertisement, it's the first time I've seen the traditional logo used in a long time.
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 25): Imagine a programme where you could earn points from credit card purchases
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 3809 posts, RR: 22 Reply 29, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 6553 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 27): Another thing is that the Aer Lingus website should offer a system that allows you to select a points earning fare if you are willing to pay a bit more than the rock bottom to get points.
I agree - Jetstar has it like that.
It shows the lowest fare, the lowest fare to earn Qantas points and the J class fare - all in three easy to read columns. It's a smart way to do it. On Qantas itself, every fare earns points regardless... any flight under 1,000 miles will earn you 1,000 points, which is nice too.
I choose to fly oneworld, as a member of Qantas Frequent Flyer.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 30, posted (5 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 6549 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 29): all in three easy to read columns. It's a smart way to do it. On Qantas itself, every fare earns points regardless... any flight under 1,000 miles will earn you 1,000 points, which is nice too.
BMI also have that. Even Olympic which I would call a bad FF program have decent lounges and agreements and a proper miles based system that 99% of all fares earn miles.
Points are so old and out of date. Its so kindergarten.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Aer Lingus From Ireland, joined May 2000, 1425 posts, RR: 0 Reply 32, posted (5 months 2 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 6526 times:
Quoting EI320 (Reply 28):
It's a nice advertisement, it's the first time I've seen the traditional logo used in a long time.
Does anyone else think that blanket just ruins the advert? It looks like it came from someone's Oxegen tent at some point. Or from another perspective it looks like someone fell asleep in a dentists chair with a spotlight over it. its all very clinical looking.
Also would you not be seriously peeved if, having seen that advert, you suddenly find yourself on EI-JFK or DUB?
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 3809 posts, RR: 22 Reply 33, posted (5 months 2 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 6512 times:
Quoting Shamrock604 (Reply 31): Just wanted to inject some D4 into the debate.....
haha
Quoting Aer Lingus (Reply 32): Also would you not be seriously peeved if, having seen that advert, you suddenly find yourself on EI-JFK or DUB?
Well, you still get the Premier Class service... so on a day flight it might not be so bad. However if you were expecting to sleep on the overnight to Ireland, you'd be a bit peeved.
I choose to fly oneworld, as a member of Qantas Frequent Flyer.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 34, posted (5 months 2 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 6516 times:
Quoting Aer Lingus (Reply 32): Also would you not be seriously peeved if, having seen that advert, you suddenly find yourself on EI-JFK or DUB?
They should be careful as they give the impression that all A/C have this product. The lack of an ** saying ( not on all A/C) could lead them to being sued.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 3809 posts, RR: 22 Reply 35, posted (5 months 2 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 6507 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 34): They should be careful as they give the impression that all A/C have this product. The lack of an ** saying ( not on all A/C) could lead them to being sued.
It does on the web site though, in the "We've bettered the rest" page linked off the front page... it says -
*Sleeper Seats are available on seven out of nine A330 aircraft
I choose to fly oneworld, as a member of Qantas Frequent Flyer.
They might just want to "cover up" the fact that the seat isn't fully flat.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 34): he lack of an ** saying ( not on all A/C) could lead them to being sued.
Quoting Aer Lingus (Reply 32): Also would you not be seriously peeved if, having seen that advert, you suddenly find yourself on EI-JFK or DUB?
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 33): However if you were expecting to sleep on the overnight to Ireland, you'd be a bit peeved.
Sorry for the confusion, the bottom of the advert got cut off, it did specify that that only 7 out of 9 A330's had the seats.........My negligence here could get EI into trouble
COEI2007 From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 1684 posts, RR: 7 Reply 37, posted (5 months 2 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 6508 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 35): Quoting OA260 (Reply 34):
They should be careful as they give the impression that all A/C have this product. The lack of an ** saying ( not on all A/C) could lead them to being sued.
They might just want to "cover up" the fact that the seat isn't fully flat.
Thinks its part of the new ''Business'' class, instead of the green blankets they have, I think they will introduce the blue duvet's, as seen in the picture. They are far better and more comfortable for sleeping
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 5316 posts, RR: 17 Reply 38, posted (5 months 2 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 6481 times:
Quoting EI320 (Reply 28): It's a nice advertisement, it's the first time I've seen the traditional logo used in a long time.
Thanks for getting the advert. Great to see them finally advertising Business Class and I like that they've used the traditional logo, don't think the .com logo would have worked quite as well.
TravelExec From Spain, joined Dec 2007, 355 posts, RR: 0 Reply 43, posted (5 months 2 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 6344 times:
Quoting Kaitak (Reply 5): Flights to Oz: Someone really should, if not Jetstar then Air Asia. We really need to be more forthright and aggressive in developing new tourist markets.
There is already a one stop route with Etihad... I've done a DUB-AUH-MEL, and it is so easy you might as well have the same flight number
Quoting Shamrock321 (Reply 6):
EI delays: So this morning AGP and FAO flights were A330s which resulted in the AGP flight being delayed 3 hours and that has had a knock on effect for the 109/108 today.
Friday night'e EI588 DUB-AGP was delayed by 90 minutes as well. The pilot was blaming poor a/c rotation...
Quoting Shamrock604 (Reply 31): Gold Circle: Just wanted to inject some D4 into the debate..... Wink
Makes sense... D4 likely has the highest proportion of GC members of any area in the country...
Neutral From Ireland, joined Nov 2007, 166 posts, RR: 0 Reply 45, posted (5 months 2 weeks ago) and read 6304 times:
Nice to see the TK A340 flying into Dublin was this flight a once off or do they (TK) beef up the aircraft if demands needs it on the Dublin -Istanbul route.
Tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 981 posts, RR: 8 Reply 47, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 6223 times:
Quoting COEI2007 (Reply 7): On the plus side, up to 180 transfer pax off EI104 is good to hear of!
It is good to hear that EI has managed to attract that many connecting passengers. Goes to show that its agreement with JetBlue was a good move. 180 is more than half the capacity! Now, if they could just unplug the other end of the tunnel at DUB, they could really be onto something. From my recent experience flying domestic with US based carriers, EI's short haul product is as good as what is out there bar the lack of Business class, which of course was only removed because it wasn't being used. I have no doubt though that if EI did ever manage to get a decent spoke and hub network between Europe and the USA/Far East going with good high yielding business travelers, then we will see a business class option reintroduced.
Well I'm back in ORD waiting for a connecting flight to BOS and thank god, nice and sunny with no thunderstorms unlike last time. I flew to ORD from SEA very early this morning. I've been awake since 3:00AM. I have a four hour layover and another two and a half hours to BOS. Unfortunately, I've already exhausted all the possibilities for amusing myself at ORD the last time I was here just over a week ago so I don't know what they hell I'm going to do.Only two and a half hours left now though.
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 1269 posts, RR: 0 Reply 48, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 6201 times:
Quoting Tonymctigue (Reply 47): I don't know what they hell I'm going to do.Only two and a half hours left now though.
Walk through the terminals! You could take the ATS (which is great for spotting too) to get to each. You could to to the O'Hare Hilton too - there's a few gift shops and plane-related souvenirs on the ground floor (entrance is in the corridor between terminals 1 & 2). I don't know, I never get bored at ORD!
Aerfort Idirnáisiúnta Siceágó Ó hAichir | Chicago O'Hare International Airport
COEI2007 From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 1684 posts, RR: 7 Reply 50, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 6195 times:
Quoting TravelExec (Reply 43): Friday night'e EI588 DUB-AGP was delayed by 90 minutes as well. The pilot was blaming poor a/c rotation...
EI588 leaves at 6.20 ( I think). I operated on the a/c that was operating EI588 the other day, and it had been delayed on an early BCN rotation, which led to us being delayed, and ultimately led to AGP being delayed! Great fun!
Quoting Tonymctigue (Reply 47): It is good to hear that EI has managed to attract that many connecting passengers. Goes to show that its agreement with JetBlue was a good move. 180 is more than half the capacity! Now, if they could just unplug the other end of the tunnel at DUB, they could really be onto something. From my recent experience flying domestic with US based carriers, EI's short haul product is as good as what is out there bar the lack of Business class, which of course was only removed because it wasn't being used. I have no doubt though that if EI did ever manage to get a decent spoke and hub network between Europe and the USA/Far East going with good high yielding business travelers, then we will see a business class option reintroduced.
I think if EI is changing Premier to 'Business class'', a Premium Economy or Business Europe could be introduced, like many a.netters have said with a middle seat free etc. If EI can attract 180 transfer pax of EI104, i'm sure with a the T2 and decent transfer facitlities, EI could attract a good amount of connections
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 5316 posts, RR: 17 Reply 51, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 6210 times:
Quoting Shamrock321 (Reply 49): The 180 connecting passengers were going onto EI European services. To behonest I dont think the JetBlue agreement is doing amazingly well.
It wouldn't hurt to do a bit more advertising, they've had the same Las Vegas advert on the website for the best part of a year now. Both airlines did say at the first anniversary of the partnership that it was exceeding their expectations and they were carrying around 80 passengers a day so either they had low expectations or it was actually just the usual spin. It was cheap for both airlines to come up with so I doubt they'd be too concerned.
Pilot21 From Ireland, joined Oct 1999, 1205 posts, RR: 2 Reply 52, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 6213 times:
Quick question to our industry experts.
I've booked an EI, LGW-DUB-LGW flight for August and now need to delay my LGW-DUB flight by a day.
FR have better fares for a 1 way flight from LGW-DUB, so if I ditched my outbound EI ticket and just showed up for the return, would that work - or would EI cancel the return leg?
I know on most airlines they would cancel the return leg, but with EI/FR's each way fare policy, just wondering if the rules have changed?
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 53, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 6209 times:
Quoting COEI2007 (Reply 50): I think if EI is changing Premier to 'Business class'', a Premium Economy or Business Europe
Great idea, EI could achieve higher yields on a few routes like LHR, BRU etc, how about Euro Premier? just out of curiosity does anyone know what EI's biz class was like on European shorthaul before it was removed was like? I read on the RTE archive that EI was voted best Western European Airline in like 2001..so was it really that awesome?
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 54, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 6202 times:
Quoting Aidanoc5793 (Reply 53): just out of curiosity does anyone know what EI's biz class was like on European shorthaul before it was removed was like?
Yes it was middle seat free with a cabin divider. Hot meals and free champagne. Used to use it alot between DUB-LHR and DUB-FRA. Always was a great service. Shame it went. Also towards the end they took away the Champagne and downgraded the meals. Then all the strikes started and cabin crew looked fed up and unloved...you know the rest. Gold Circle went down the crapper and the GC lounge was joined up with the Business lounge and it looked like a railway station. Lucky I got to experience a few years when it was all at its best. And to think they once offered neck and head massages in the GC lounge. Lovely sandwiches also.
Quoting Shamrock321 (Reply 49): Does anyone know what happened to LX401 today, its just left 8 hours late! Very un-Swiss like!
Thats mad must have been tech as I never heard of a LX flight 8 hours delayed out of DUB.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
COEI2007 From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 1684 posts, RR: 7 Reply 55, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 6194 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 54): Yes it was middle seat free with a cabin divider. Hot meals and free champagne. Used to use it alot between DUB-LHR and DUB-FRA. Always was a great service. Shame it went
Very easy to bring it back. I'm sure the likes of LHR, BRU, FRA and some other routes would fill a few Business seats if they were there!
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 56, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 6137 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 54): Yes it was middle seat free with a cabin divider. Hot meals and free champagne. Used to use it alot between DUB-LHR and DUB-FRA. Always was a great service. Shame it went. Also towards the end they took away the Champagne and downgraded the meals. Then all the strikes started and cabin crew looked fed up and unloved...you know the rest. Gold Circle went down the crapper and the GC lounge was joined up with the Business lounge and it looked like a railway station. Lucky I got to experience a few years when it was all at its best. And to think they once offered neck and head massages in the GC lounge. Lovely sandwiches also.
Thanks a lot dude!!!! What a shame EI seemed totally awesome back then. I wish they would bring back some of the biz flights and the brilliant We're not just an airline, We are Aer Lingus slogan
Those words actually take me back to the good days. That ad was amazing and there was a great feeling to the company back then. ( from a passengers view ) anyway.
Aer Lingus still have the look they just need the FF program and in flight product to match::
The look is actually something that has saved them and their living off their historic reputation among the Irish people. Its slipping fast though on Longhaul. Europe is still ok but unless drastic measures are taken to make longhaul something to stop corporates going to the USA Via LHR AMS etc.. then it needs fast action.
I have recently seen some pics of Premier meals and I have to say the layout and delft are lovely but the food could do with more attention to detail.
Would staying in Oneworld have made any difference?? Who knows. Aer Lingus have a habbit of letting products and other airlines pass them by. An arrivals lounge at DUB for Business Class passengers in transit from Europe to USA and v.v. would have been an asset also. Showers/business center, these are all basic needs for your corps. The current state of affairs means that you are better to go to Starbucks than the lounge.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 59, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 6076 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 58): Would staying in Oneworld have made any difference?? Who knows. Aer Lingus have a habbit of letting products and other airlines pass them by. An arrivals lounge at DUB for Business Class passengers in transit from Europe to USA and v.v. would have been an asset also. Showers/business center, these are all basic needs for your corps. The current state of affairs means that you are better to go to Starbucks than the lounge.
Well said OA260. Have you ever considered becoming CEO of EI??:D You have great idea's well done.
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 5316 posts, RR: 17 Reply 60, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 6071 times:
Aer Lingus was a very different airline back in the late 90s, I remember on some flights walking through what would seem like an endless Premier Class to the tiny economy cabins where we used to sit well behind the wing on those 737s and there would still be the smell of cooked breakfasts lingering from the flight before. I also remember the cabin crew talking about the Gold Circle Club which would have just been relaunched around that time, TAB points and the magazines which would be Cara, Sky Shopping and Cirrus.
It was great but if it had stayed that way would Aer Lingus still be around today? I don't think it would be. The current short haul product is good, it isn't anything particulalrly special but fares remain low and service is consistently good which is what most people seem to be looking for these days. Aer Lingus offer great value for money on short haul so the need for a business class on a few select routes really isn't there and would probably cause more confusion about what Aer Lingus offer, to me it is clear that Aer Lingus is low cost on short haul and full service on long haul but even that seems to mean an "identity crisis" for some.
A new frequent flyer programme would benefit the entire airline, short haul and long haul. It must be over 10 years since Gold Circle was last properly updated, to say that it is now outdated is putting it lightly. The lounges have been in decline for years, the transformation into a low cost airline was an excuse back in 03/04 but not now. Aer Lingus really need to get their act together on how they reward and look after loyal passengers and of course the problems that face long haul. At the moment I get the feeling that they are blaming everything on the economy and are just waiting for that to improve instead of actually taking action to do something about the struggling long haul business. They've spent the money on new cabins and aircraft so now they need to spend money on simple things like pillows and blankets for every passenger, amenity kits, better meals and better timed flights.
Aer Lingus is already half way there to being a great airline, built up a strong route network, have great staff and a young fleet so those finishing touches need to be made now, just in time for when things do start to pick up so Aer Lingus can take advantage of that.
All we can do is hope that some of these things are being done behind the scenes, the new advertising of Business Class and rumoured changes to the product looks promising but I suppose we'll just have to wait and see.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 61, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 6067 times:
Quoting Aidanoc5793 (Reply 59): Well said OA260. Have you ever considered becoming CEO of EI??:D You have great idea's well done.
No I wouldnt want the job there is too much politics still in EI management and it needs ripped out and new blood pumped in. ( sorry if your reading guys).
I would ::
Make a lounge with 4 showers/Free Wifi/10 computer internet stations ( sponsored by Eircom or BT) / Sandwiches / Two Nespresso machines for coffee/ 10 sleeper style lounger chairs in a screened off area ( quiet area) . / Get rid of the bus stop chairs ( sell them to Bus Eireann). / Put leather sofas and chairs back and install 2 ladies and 2 Gents toilets.
Rebrand Gold Circle with a brand new look. All fares except the bottom two earn miles. It does pay off and attract loyalty in the end. / As Classiclover said team up with Dunnes or Tescos and allow points to be converted to FF miles. / Also Marriott-Hilton and Jurys hotels. / Once you reach 1000 miles do what BMI do and have a Green Plus card that gets you a meal deal on Shorthaul flights. Sell membership after 1000 miles earned for EUR700 a year but this is only for access to EI lounges and not partner lounges. ( that would pay for alot of the new enhancements. ).
Launch an Aer Lingus credit card for the UK and Irish market with Ulster Bank or BOI which normal everyday people can avail of and earn miles with their purchases.
Bring back all fares into the CRS systems ( Europe ) because Aer Lingus lost alot of business to LH LX US CO AF BD you name it . They dont need to pay comissions anymore just sell them as Nett. Some Star carriers are even realising this and bringing them back
( even web fares).
Nothing wrong with the crew or the uniforms so leave well alone.
Cara Magazine is also good so leave that also.
IFE is fine on all the upgraded cabins and new aircraft.
USA flights ::
Upgraded meals in Y similar to VS and BA.
Ice cream 4 hours into flight. Afternoon tea 1hr 50 mins before landing. Snack stations with chesse savouries and preztzels. Every passenger gets a amenity kit with basic items in it. Each seat has pillow and blanket on before passengers board.
On USA-DUB flights proper dinner upgraded and hot breakfast on arrival on all USA flights. Self service snack stations. Last 5 rows on the A330 preffered seating for parents and families allowing others to have quiet areas without screaming kids.
Business Class
----------------------
Limo within a 50 mile radius of DUB/USA destinations. Arrivals lounge in DUB with continental breakfast and showers.
Lieflat horizontal seats ( I know its too late now ) lol...
Pre dine option at JFK. Quick dine option onboard.
Triple miles on full C fares ( not J ) .
On demand snack service , sandwiches and wraps. Hot chocolate/Latte/Cappuchinos etc..
Gift onboard . Leather document holder or something along those lines changed every month.
Gate to gate private transfers if your inbound flight is delayed and you are connecting to another Aer Lingus flight with less than a 40 min connection.
Off peak 21 day advance purchase J class specials €1000 return to USA. Companion fares 2 for €1500 but no Limo service and no lounge access. No refunds No changes. 50% Miles.
A good revenue booster without having to offer the perks other than the onboard service and seat/bed which would normally go empty at low season.
MISC
--------
Launch mobile phone boarding card and online check in for all stations. Pre order in flight duty free shopping online and have delivered onboard.
I would also install inflight internet and charge for it in Y class and free in J class.
Show connecting gate info on IFE . Also install drop down PTV's on all A321/A320 like Swiss have.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
F1eddie From Ireland, joined May 2007, 420 posts, RR: 0 Reply 62, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 6019 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 61): Show connecting gate info on IFE . Also install drop down PTV's on all A321/A320 like Swiss have.
How would it work for EI to install AVOD on all European A/C. Team up with Xtra Vision, and set up a pay per view??? That would certainly make them stand out from all European airlines, give them a marketing edge, and be a money earner for them.... What are your taughts on this?
Flown on EI, FR, BMI, TG, PG, FD, JQ, DJ, LA, NZ, SQ, DL, LX, LH
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 63, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 6009 times:
Quoting F1eddie (Reply 62): How would it work for EI to install AVOD on all European A/C.
Well either that or do what Jetblue did and put in PTV's with some free and some charged content. Would be a revenue generator Also make those trips to LPA/FNC/ATH/SOF go quicker.
I was talking to a Pilot the other day and he says he loves Jetblue when flying in the USA as a passenger.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 5316 posts, RR: 17 Reply 64, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 6006 times:
Very interesting post OA260! I agree with many of your ideas, especially what the new lounges should be like, Gold Circle and long haul product. A lot of it is very realistic could be done by Aer Lingus, of course it would cost them money now but in the long term the rewards would be great and it would enable Aer Lingus to build a firm and loyal passenger base like many of the European flag carriers have gained because of their service.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 61): Show connecting gate info on IFE . Also install drop down PTV's on all A321/A320 like Swiss have.
Quoting F1eddie (Reply 62): How would it work for EI to install AVOD on all European A/C. Team up with Xtra Vision, and set up a pay per view??? That would certainly make them stand out from all European airlines, give them a marketing edge, and be a money earner for them.... What are your taughts on this?
I'm not too sure on this, PTVs/AVOD are out of the question in my opinion. The weight these add to the aircraft and the cost of installing them probably far outweighs any profits Aer Lingus make from them or the edge it gives Aer Lingus over other airlines. Overhead monitors are possible but even those might not be worth installing when the majority of their short haul routes are quite short and because Aer Lingus like to move the fleet around quite a bit so one aircraft that is operating to ATH where monitors might be attractive to passengers could be operating to BHX the next day where passengers probably don't care and the advantage for them is very small.
Didn't Ryanair test this idea by handing out personal media players to passengers for a charge only to find that very few people actually wanted to pay for it. That was Ryanair and the fact that they were hand held media players may have put people off so it could be different for Aer Lingus but I just don't think that many people would be willing to pay for it, especially on those short flights.
F1eddie From Ireland, joined May 2007, 420 posts, RR: 0 Reply 65, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 6002 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 63): Would be a revenue generator Also make those trips to LPA/FNC/ATH/SOF go quicker.
Yeah. If for example going to BUD, you have the choice of EI,MA,and FR. So i would pay the the highest fare with, EI just to get the option to have a AVOD. See im thinking outside of the box here.... Pity EI would not do it
Fair point about the weight there. This is a technical issue i would not have taught of. In regards to distance BHX is one of EIs shortest routes, and yes they would be pointless on this route, but for the moving map. But LHR is one hour in the air and that is plenty of time to charge E5 to watch an eipsode of friends or something like that... All others routes could make good use of pay per use AVOD.
[Edited 2009-06-28 17:19:14]
Flown on EI, FR, BMI, TG, PG, FD, JQ, DJ, LA, NZ, SQ, DL, LX, LH
F1eddie From Ireland, joined May 2007, 420 posts, RR: 0 Reply 66, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 5991 times:
Quoting Shamrock350 (Reply 64): Didn't Ryanair test this idea by handing out personal media players to passengers for a charge only to find that very few people actually wanted to pay for it. That was Ryanair and the fact that they were hand held media players may have put people off so it could be different for Aer Lingus but I just don't think that many people would be willing to pay for it, especially on those short flights.
Dont know. I know i paid $10 for one of those personal media players in OZ to waste away the four hour flight from AVV>PER. On the way back they were sold out by the time they got to me, and i was quite annoyed.... Was great.
Flown on EI, FR, BMI, TG, PG, FD, JQ, DJ, LA, NZ, SQ, DL, LX, LH
EIASJ From United States, joined Oct 2005, 33 posts, RR: 0 Reply 67, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 5963 times:
And now for something completely different.............. Walking from terminal D @ DUB to the EI 330 on the domestic leg of DUB-SNN-JFK last Weds I noticed a Ryanair service vehicle (#49 if memory serves me correctly). Beside the "Lavatory" markings there was also on both sides a professionally finished ID sticker identifying (in capiltals) said vehicle as "THE TROTTS TRACTOR". Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me, but you gotta love it, only in Dublin would they pull a stunt like that !!!!!!!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 68, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 5799 times:
Quoting Shamrock350 (Reply 64): I agree with many of your ideas, especially what the new lounges should be like, Gold Circle and long haul product. A lot of it is very realistic could be done by Aer Lingus,
Thanks, alot of the things could easily be done without too much investment.
-----------
Ryan firm faces legal action as result of Alitalia collapse
DECLAN Ryan's aviation company Thomas A Ryan Aerospace is facing a spate of legal actions arising from the collapse of Italian state airline Alitalia last year.
The company, set up by Ryanair founder the late Tony Ryan, has received "a number of legal claims arising from the insolvency of the company's lessee Alitalia.
DavecFlyer From Ireland, joined Dec 2007, 276 posts, RR: 0 Reply 69, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 5742 times:
Quoting Neutral (Reply 45): Nice to see the TK A340 flying into Dublin was this flight a once off or do they (TK) beef up the aircraft if demands needs it on the Dublin -Istanbul route.
It was very nice to see it taking off I have to say.
It is still technically scheduled as a daily B738 but in practice it is an A321 almost every day now.
There was an A330 last Sunday and then an A340 yesterday. I assume as that was the start of the school holidays and bookings were high.
It is good to see somebody doing well out of DUB anyway.
Shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 1144 posts, RR: 6 Reply 70, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 5700 times:
Quoting EIASJ (Reply 67): "THE TROTTS TRACTOR". Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me, but you gotta love it, only in Dublin would they pull a stunt like that !!!!!!!
Yup, that sounds like our beloved DUB alright!
Flown EI,FR,RE,EIR,VE,SI,TLA,BA,BE,BD,VX,MON,AF,YS,WX,KL,SK,LH,OK,OS,LX,IB,LTU,HLX,4U,SU,CO,DL,UA,AC,PR,MH,SQ,QF, EY
COEI2007 From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 1684 posts, RR: 7 Reply 71, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 5603 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 58): An arrivals lounge at DUB for Business Class passengers in transit from Europe to USA and v.v. would have been an asset also. Showers/business center, these are all basic needs for your corps
Good idea to attract J pax via DUB. Something they should look at for T2
Quoting OA260 (Reply 61): On USA-DUB flights proper dinner upgraded and hot breakfast on arrival on all USA flights. Self service snack stations. Last 5 rows on the A330 preffered seating for parents and families allowing others to have quiet areas without screaming kids.
The exit rows have bassinet's for children which is better, and families dont like being in the last 4 rows as its away from the toilets, and next to the aft galley
Quoting OA260 (Reply 61): Ice cream 4 hours into flight. Afternoon tea 1hr 50 mins before landing. Snack stations with chesse savouries and preztzels. Every passenger gets a amenity kit with basic items in it. Each seat has pillow and blanket on before passengers board.
Ice cream is a good idea, and a basic amenity kit would be good.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 61): Pre dine option at JFK. Quick dine option onboard.
Pre-dine is available in JFK, and there is a quick dine option on EI108, which is a ''Supper service''
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 72, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 5578 times:
Quoting COEI2007 (Reply 71): The exit rows have bassinet's for children which is better, and families dont like being in the last 4 rows as its away from the toilets, and next to the aft galley
Things like this need to be planned when the A/C is being ordered IMHO. I would make the layout slightly different to mean that there was a small section of 5 rows next to the bathrooms and exit row. Also I would make rows 9-11 with 38'' seat pitch on the A/C that have the small Y class section between J and Y and sell those seats for an extra €80 each way. If those seats had not been bought then they can be given to Gold Circle members free of charge on a seniority level basis.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
COEI2007 From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 1684 posts, RR: 7 Reply 73, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 5587 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 72): Things like this need to be planned when the A/C is being ordered IMHO. I would make the layout slightly different to mean that there was a small section of 5 rows next to the bathrooms and exit row. Also I would make rows 9-11 with 38'' seat pitch on the A/C that have the small Y class section between J and Y and sell those seats for an extra €80 each way. If those seats had not been bought then they can be given to Gold Circle members free of charge on a seniority level basis.
The thing with rows 9-11 is, that on DUZ, EAV and EDY, there is now only 2 rows there, so making them 38'' pitch etc is awkward.
I agree with the service elements. Improved Y catering, maybe free wine with dinner and a basic amenity kit would be a start.
Premier/Business has changes ahead of it planned, and I would like to see an arrivals lounge and upgraded GoldCircle lounge as part of it. It would certainly set them apart from DL, AA and CO, and make them a much stronger option for the J pax flying via LHR with BA/VS etc
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 74, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 5561 times:
Quoting COEI2007 (Reply 73): The thing with rows 9-11 is, that on DUZ, EAV and EDY, there is now only 2 rows there, so making them 38'' pitch etc is awkward.
Yeah like I said it would have to be done before A/C were ordered. Nice to hear that there are only 2 rows on the new AC as that is a nice area to be in if you can get it.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 3809 posts, RR: 22 Reply 75, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days ago) and read 5506 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 61): Make a lounge with 4 showers/Free Wifi/10 computer internet stations ( sponsored by Eircom or BT) / Sandwiches / Two Nespresso machines for coffee/ 10 sleeper style lounger chairs in a screened off area ( quiet area) . / Get rid of the bus stop chairs ( sell them to Bus Eireann). / Put leather sofas and chairs back and install 2 ladies and 2 Gents toilets.
The Wireless has to be free - no charging!
Those Nespresso machines are quite good - they have them in the Business Class rooms in the Radisson hotels and they're quite cool!
All of your other ideas are basically one off costs and won't really cost EI anything, apart from a person having to clean the showers after each use... but the person who restocks all the crap and cleans the floors etc could do that with ease - there are only going to be certain times of the day when they're in high use.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 61): Launch an Aer Lingus credit card for the UK and Irish market with Ulster Bank or BOI which normal everyday people can avail of and earn miles with their purchases.
This is a no brainer as the American's would say I'd change banks to get this kind of perk - but please, it should be with AIB as they're quite frankly the best bank in Ireland
Quoting OA260 (Reply 61): Limo within a 50 mile radius of DUB/USA destinations. Arrivals lounge in DUB with continental breakfast and showers.
Wow, now you're dreaming Free transfers to the city centre might work
Quoting OA260 (Reply 61): Gift onboard . Leather document holder or something along those lines changed every month.
Royal Jordanian do this - I've had a blue glass flask of Dead Sea salt (useless, but cool), a digital travel alarm clock (useful) and some Jordanian Pottery. It would be easy to get companies that make such things who want some promotion to donate them to EI for a month as a promotional move or even to give them at cost.
A bit more niceness at the Premier Counters (a plastic plant for some ambience maybe) would be cool. That said, you never know, this all might be planned for T2. It surprises me how it's due to open next year and Aer Lingus haven't put any forthcoming notification of what their way cool plans are on the web site to whet customers interest.
I choose to fly oneworld, as a member of Qantas Frequent Flyer.
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 75): Those Nespresso machines are quite good - they have them in the Business Class rooms in the Radisson hotels and they're quite cool!
I got one in my kitchen and would never be without it.
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 3809 posts, RR: 22 Reply 77, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days ago) and read 5517 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 76): Yep I have been with them for the last 4 years and I have to say no issues and great service. Would be ideal for me
They were the only bank that was actually nice to me when I was trying to get a bank account when I first came to Ireland. Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank were pricks to put it mildly - never looked back since
Quoting OA260 (Reply 76): Yes alot of airlines have a long rug with their logo on and ''Business Class'' on. Also those ''rope'' barriers which look a bit more up market.
Also cost virtually nothing and look great!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 76): I got one in my kitchen and would never be without it
So the coffee's at the a.net Irish thread meet will be at yours then? Thanks for the invite
I choose to fly oneworld, as a member of Qantas Frequent Flyer.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 78, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days ago) and read 5525 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 77): They were the only bank that was actually nice to me when I was trying to get a bank account when I first came to Ireland
Yes a Polish mate of mine had the same issues. Anyway he gave up so I took him along to AIB and they were so nice. Even had leaflets in Polish I was impressed. The worst is PTSB total crooks. I had to sue them and luckily I won, but thats another issue. Aer Lingus and AIB would be a good tie up. Maybe a Silver and a Gold card.
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 3809 posts, RR: 22 Reply 79, posted (5 months 1 week 6 days ago) and read 5497 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 78): True I would say you would get them for a few hundred Euro and they last years. It does spruce a check in area up and look for professional.
I'm sure you could pick them up off the back of a truck for less... or even steal them from other airlines and spraypaint them green... okay I am being silly now
Quoting OA260 (Reply 78): Meet at DUB and then detour an hour North?, thats Irish Go to the Nespresso boutique in BT's, I dont do Coffee
BT's! Oooh get you
Meanwhile, it's the Manchester meet this weekend, so I am routing DUB-LHR-MAN-DUB, for a little bit of time in the T5 Galleries on the way. Insane? Perhaps, but you only live once
I choose to fly oneworld, as a member of Qantas Frequent Flyer.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 80, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 5487 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 79): airlines and spraypaint them green... okay I am being silly now
I think there is a nice one in Area 1 , Belongs to EY . Spray it Green and the tourists from across the pond will think the Arabic is Gaeilge
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 79): so I am routing DUB-LHR-MAN-DUB, for a little bit of time in the T5 Galleries on the way. Insane? Perhaps, but you only live once
Njoy , especially the EI Busáras lounge lol...
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
DavecFlyer From Ireland, joined Dec 2007, 276 posts, RR: 0 Reply 82, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 5350 times:
Anyone know what happened to the S7 flight to DME last night?
VP-BHG an A319 was parked up at the Western parking area all day today and another A319 arrived late afternoon presumably to pick up the pax.
Somebody was asking about the LX flight yesterday. It was parked on the D pier all day yesterday so didn't get moved to a hangar or anything. I just assumed it had gone tech so strange to hear that it actually went out again last night. I would have thought that the crew would be out of hours.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 83, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 5337 times:
Quoting DavecFlyer (Reply 82): I just assumed it had gone tech so strange to hear that it actually went out again last night. I would have thought that the crew would be out of hours.
Maybe they took the crew to an airport hotel for 5 hours rest?? Then they operated the flight back. Not sure how these things work , just a theory.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Have to admit I hat these after a matre got a bad credit rating. She closed her MBNA credit card,paid off the 'last' invoice. 6 months later got a letter telling her there would be legal action unless she paid her EUR83 euro outstanding balance. Nearly ruined her mortgage. They refused to lift the black mark even after she paid the EUR83.
Quoting Shamrock350 (Reply 60): They've spent the money on new cabins and aircraft so now they need to spend money on simple things like pillows and blankets for every passenger, amenity kits, better meals and better timed flights.
Hear hear.
Quoting F1eddie (Reply 62): That would certainly make them stand out from all European airlines, give them a marketing edge, and be a money earner for them.... What are your taughts on this?
I always though this. Upgrade 5-10 A320 with PTV. Keep them on AGP, FCO, NCE, FAO, ALC, NAP. The leisure/family pax will pay for movies/TV inflight. The pax on the AGP A330 flights love it. Headsets always sold out(only sold on European routes)...to be dissappointed with old IFE on the return.
Ei2ksea From Ireland, joined Jul 2004, 437 posts, RR: 0 Reply 87, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 5257 times:
AB Shannon were set up as the Irish subsidiary of a British company originally set up as Air Bristol with the intent of ferrying BAe workers between Bristol Filton and the other Airbus sites. They subsequently changed their name to ABAirlines but not before setting up ABShannon and Air Belfast (Notice the "AB" on the tail, the color scheme was essentially the same between each subsidiary except for the large "SHANNON" titles on the Irish company's aircraft).
The UK based ABAirlines main subsidiary, based in LGW built up a large network until they went bust at the same time as Debonair in LTN around 2001/2 I think. ABShannon closed before this - it was probably closed down probably around the same time as Virgin Express set up their Irish subsidiary, maybe 1999/2000? I think they were already gone when FR came along to SNN. I can remember ABAirlines protested at the financial incentives being given to Virgin Express (Ireland) as duplication of routes (STN) was not really helping develop the airport according to them...just cannibalising existing operators.
ABShannon used to fly SNN-LGW and later set up STN also and maybe even BHX at one point. Sadly it didnt progress much beyond that. Interesting Aer Lingus did codeshare with them on the BHX and STN routes.
Air Belfast flew BFS-LGW for a very brief time.
All flights by ABAirlines were with the BAC-1-11-500 replaced with B733's later and up to the time of collapse. ABShannon did use the B733 on their flights briefly AFAIK.
[Edited 2009-06-29 16:26:00]
Edited for silly spelling and because Airliners.Net thinks "AB" is Air Berlin
Irish251 From Ireland, joined Nov 2004, 681 posts, RR: 3 Reply 88, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 5226 times:
Quoting Ei2ksea (Reply 87): All flights by ABAirlines were with the BAC-1-11-500 replaced with B733's later and up to the time of collapse. ABShannon did use the B733 on their flights briefly AFAIK.
Their three-letter code was AZX, callsign "Aztec".
Quoting Ei2ksea (Reply 87): Air Belfast flew BFS-LGW for a very brief time.
Pretty sure I flew this route with Air Belfast, can't remember the exact year but I think it was around Christmas and there was terrible weather. Also seem to remember flying ABShannon, my dad became ill while we were in Ireland and he wasn't fit to fly back to London so we missed our Aer Lingus flight and flew back to Gatwick with them.
Great information on AB Airlines there Ei2ksea, very interesting as it was an airline that I knew very little about.
The product of years as a teenager spent sitting at the side of the runway in SNN and religiously reading Irish Air Letter!
ABAirlines had also ordered B737-700's. I dont think they received any. One final note is that the ABShannon name was dropped towards the end and most ads used the ABAirlines name.
Here are a few other pictures from the database, there doesnt seem to be too many and none with the Air Belfast titles..
ABAirlines used to sub-lease aircraft from European Aviation and some (maybe just1!) wore this hybrid and pretty classy livery I saw in SNN once or twice.
Rojam From Ireland, joined Nov 2007, 120 posts, RR: 0 Reply 91, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 5208 times:
Have been away/working for a bit, so not a pip outta me in ages.
Transited via LHR-T5 a few weeks ago - spotted a little bit of healthy competitive advertising, albeit downing DUB's airside shop prices
Quoting EIASJ (Reply 67): Beside the "Lavatory" markings there was also on both sides a professionally finished ID sticker identifying (in capiltals) said vehicle as "THE TROTTS TRACTOR". Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me....
Well I did (from June '06), here's your baby
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 75): A bit more niceness at the Premier Counters (a plastic plant for some ambience maybe) would be cool.
Yes, there's nothing like a nice plastic plant to lend a professional ambiance. A plastic plant, are you for real ?
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 75): Royal Jordanian do this - I've had a blue glass flask of Dead Sea salt (useless, but cool), a digital travel alarm clock (useful) and some Jordanian Pottery. It would be easy to get companies that make such things who want some promotion to donate them to EI for a month as a promotional move or even to give them at cost.
In the good old EI days, the amenity kit container was either a bag that doubled as a classy wash-bag/linen-bag or a semi-rigid box that, once emptied, became a CD holder. I've a whole slew of them - intially there were dark emerald green, then black ones appeared.
KLM still gift biz passengers with the little delft Dutch houses, now collectors items. I've only got two - number 38 and 80.
Next: Multiple AF:DUBLCYDUB's, AF:LHRCDGJNBCPTJNBCDGLHR. Last: IB:DUBMADSVQMADDUB, FR:DUBLGW, AF:ATHCDGDUB, ZF:JMKATH, B
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 92, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 5115 times:
Quoting Shamrock350 (Reply 89): Pretty sure I flew this route with Air Belfast
I flew with them BFS-STN when I lived in Belfast. Fares were around £29 each way and I have to say it was a great small airline with nice crew. Shame they went. Loved the BAC1-11 also.
Its all about shopping around. I have found DUB cheaper on many occassions. LHR can have some good deals but to get a all round idea you would have to price 100 products like for like. Alot of the time fragrance direct on the web is alot cheaper and delivered to your door.
Anyone know the real story on the AF 5009 yesterday?? It took off apprantly and after 30 mins had to come back to off load some bags and refuel!!
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Oa260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 93, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 5093 times:
DAA denies Ryanair claims over security
THE DUBLIN Airport Authority (DAA) has denied claims by Ryanair that a “security failure” last Saturday caused more than 50 of the airline’s passengers to miss early morning flights.
Ryanair said the failure of the DAA to efficiently operate the Dublin airport’s security area left passengers queuing for more than 30 minutes last Saturday.
“This is the second major Dublin Airport security failure so far this summer after long queues on 26th May resulted in more than 100 passengers missing their flights,” Ryanair said yesterday.
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 1269 posts, RR: 0 Reply 94, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 5108 times:
I was at SNN this morning, went for a stroll down to the control tower (never been down there before) and kept walking down to the fence near the edge of the runway where I saw my first ever go-around!
A Star Air cargo plane touched down right in front of me (this was about 6am), then I looked west and saw an Aer Lingus A333 on final. It came down to only a few hundred feet before powering up and going around. I won't forget that sound, nothing like it.
Here's some pics:
An old US immigration preclearance sign in the arrivals hall
West-facing side of the terminal building
Air France WX5081 bound for CDG at Gate 6, Iberworld TY3221 bound for PMI at Gate 4
Lots of flashing lights on RWY24
Gates
Then I found this semi-junkyard which contained an old AA cargo container along with 5 airbridges just sitting idle. They looked fairly new too:
S6 just arriving on runway 6
EI132 going around (EI-DUZ)
This is the new extension for the US Customs & Border Protection, due to open in a few weeks
[Edited 2009-06-30 01:49:03]
Aerfort Idirnáisiúnta Siceágó Ó hAichir | Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Aer Lingus From Ireland, joined May 2000, 1425 posts, RR: 0 Reply 95, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 4996 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 94):
Then I found this semi-junkyard which contained an old AA cargo container along with 5 airbridges just sitting idle. They looked fairly new too:
aha... so that's where the DUB Pier C airbridges went to! Good to see SNN has finally found its niche.... DUB's junkyard!
Sawtooth From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 210 posts, RR: 0 Reply 96, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 4996 times:
Quoting Ei2ksea (Reply 87): ABShannon used to fly SNN-LGW and later set up STN also and maybe even BHX at one point. Sadly it didnt progress much beyond that. Interesting Aer Lingus did codeshare with them on the BHX and STN routes.
They operated some routes from NOC also, I think it was NOC - BRS or CVT.
BrianDromey From Ireland, joined exactly 3 years ago today! , 2957 posts, RR: 10 Reply 97, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 4987 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 61): All fares except the bottom two earn miles. It does pay off and attract loyalty in the end
Intereesting thoughts Phil, I would agree with most of them, other than IFE on the A320s. I just don't see the need for it on the relatively short flights, compared to the weight it would add. I know there would be revenue potential, but still....
It is only three fares which don't earn at all in GC. A, W, Z. The problem is that the majority of fares on-sale on the website are in those buckets, even if the fares are not that cheap. I don't think it would be unreasonable to offer a limited number of points on every fare, even the super-cheap ones. What I would propose is something similar to the following;
25%
A - super special, super cheap "promotional" fares. I would only use this fare bucket for the advertised fares, such as "no aer fare" and advertised €9.99 inc tax fares - the ones seen on TV and in print media.
50%
W, Z - Low fares, but still regarded as "promotional" or "special"
100%
L, H, K, M, V, N, X, S and R - Regular fares.
200%
B, Y, - FlexiFares.
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 75): it should be with AIB as they're quite frankly the best bank in Ireland
Funny to see so many positive comments about AIB, I've gotten really peeved at their branch closures and 'refurbishments' which have drastically reduced the number of counters and floor space in each remaining branch. About 12 months ago I voted with my feet and move the majority of my banking to Ulster Bank, I find them brilliant.
Anyway, that aside I do believe that EI should have a credit card an possibly an on-line shopping mall, like BA an BD have. It is run by an outside body (points.com usually) and all EI have to do is ensure the points track correctly. easy. EI sell those GC points to the retailers and the banks, so this would be cash +ve.
Speaking of EI credit cards, dont AIB or BoI gold credit cards allow access to CG lounges?
Brian.
Next flights: ORK-MAN (WW); MAN-ORK (EI) DUB-HHN-DUB(FR)
Aerdingus From Ireland, joined Dec 2006, 505 posts, RR: 1 Reply 98, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 4967 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 94): A Star Air cargo plane touched down right in front of me (this was about 6am), then I looked west and saw an Aer Lingus A333 on final. It came down to only a few hundred feet before powering up and going around. I won't forget that sound, nothing like it.
Ah I'd say that was deadly! EI-DUZ is my fave cos we're name twins.
Quoting Ei2ksea (Reply 87):
All flights by ABAirlines were with the BAC-1-11-500 replaced with B733's later and up to the time of collapse. ABShannon did use the B733 on their flights briefly AFAIK.
Thanks for the info, interseting how it came about as a subsidary of a shuttle for Airbus workers.
Aw I'm just sitting here, shootin' the breeze with these three Rosarios
EISHN From Ireland, joined Feb 2007, 1295 posts, RR: 7 Reply 100, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 4918 times:
I read in a tabloid today that U2 have chartered a MD-80 for it's European tour this Summer, and had it painted in a "special" livery. The plane is sliver, with U2 painted on the tail, and one of their lyrics below the flight deck window.
Sorry I can't find a link on the web.
St. Flannan/ Fhlanain- She took off to find the footlights, And I took off for the sky
Wexfordflyer From Ireland, joined Jun 2009, 205 posts, RR: 0 Reply 101, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 4922 times:
Quoting EISHN (Reply 100): I read in a tabloid today that U2 have chartered a MD-80 for it's European tour this Summer, and had it painted in a "special" livery. The plane is sliver, with U2 painted on the tail, and one of their lyrics below the flight deck window.
I heard the same thing this morning, hadnt heard it was an MD-80 though. Cant remember where I heard it and same as you I cant find any link. Looking forward to seeing it. Wont be quite as cool as Iron Maiden actually flying their own
Come with me, there's a place I want you to see, where the leaves are dark, I've got a hiding place in central park.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 103, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 4890 times:
Quoting Wexfordflyer (Reply 99): Lucky you!! I have never seen a go-around, or been on one,
I was in one once on arrival into DXB on LH. Another A/C had not cleared the runway. The roar of those engines and the sharp climb was amazing. Also did 2 go arounds when we had an emergency on a Sri Lankan Airlines after take off in CMB a tyre blew.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Bx737 From Ireland, joined Sep 2001, 501 posts, RR: 4 Reply 104, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 4898 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 94): A Star Air cargo plane touched down right in front of me (this was about 6am), then I looked west and saw an Aer Lingus A333 on final. It came down to only a few hundred feet before powering up and going around. I won't forget that sound, nothing like it.
I was working it. As Aerdingus says it was EI-DUZ and it was on the EI132. My goodness wasn't somebody up early this morning. I did think we were quite low when we did the go around,the captain said it was caused by another aircraft being slow to clear the runway, btw can you see me waving .
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 1269 posts, RR: 0 Reply 105, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 4866 times:
Quoting Aer Lingus (Reply 95): aha... so that's where the DUB Pier C airbridges went to!
Really? I wonder why they brought them to SNN...
Quoting Aerdingus (Reply 98): Ah I'd say that was deadly! EI-DUZ is my fave cos we're name twins.
'CVD is mine
Quoting Wexfordflyer (Reply 99): Lucky you!! I have never seen a go-around, or been on one, but am just waiting for the day when I am!!!!
It was great! The EI bird was getting quite low and I kept saying to myself he'll never make it cos I could still see the Star Air further down the runway but it was getting lower and lower then all of a sudden them GE CF6s were put on full power-great moment. I never expected to see one at SNN of all places I would have thought ATC would have spaced them out a bit more on approach.
Quoting Bx737 (Reply 104): I was working it. As Aerdingus says it was EI-DUZ and it was on the EI132. My goodness wasn't somebody up early this morning. I did think we were quite low when we did the go around,the captain said it was caused by another aircraft being slow to clear the runway, btw can you see me waving
What a coincidence - and you were working my flight (EI124 DUB-SNN) last August 21st too! Yeah I got up at 3.45 to take relatives to SNN to catch the TY flight to PMI and decided to take a stroll down that way. Never miss an opportunity to go to the airport! And no didn't catch you waving, maybe next time
[Edited 2009-06-30 07:42:51]
Aerfort Idirnáisiúnta Siceágó Ó hAichir | Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 106, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 4838 times:
Hey everyone, just a thought for the day, What will the Cork-Limerick motorway mean for SNN? As a resident of Mallow in Co. Cork the motorway will pass east of the town, the proposed western route was going to pass by my house and go directly through my Grandmothers house but thankfully the eastern route was chosen, anyway with more time being shaved off the Cork-Limerick route, may this draw more people to fly ORK? due to the variety of European scheduled/charter services and improved passenger facilities or will it not affect it at all?
Shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 1144 posts, RR: 6 Reply 107, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 4822 times:
Quoting Aidanoc5793 (Reply 106): may this draw more people to fly ORK? due to the variety of European scheduled/charter services and improved passenger facilities or will it not affect it at all?
Conversely, it will also draw more people to SNN... with the tunnel opening next year, that would mean motorway standard route from Cork right to the door of shannon airport and vice versa!
Flown EI,FR,RE,EIR,VE,SI,TLA,BA,BE,BD,VX,MON,AF,YS,WX,KL,SK,LH,OK,OS,LX,IB,LTU,HLX,4U,SU,CO,DL,UA,AC,PR,MH,SQ,QF, EY
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 108, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 4786 times:
Quoting Shamrock604 (Reply 107): Conversely, it will also draw more people to SNN... with the tunnel opening next year, that would mean motorway standard route from Cork right to the door of shannon airport and vice versa!
Quite true also, although I think people will be more drawn to EI's Hub in ORK, but I think a lot of people down here will like the availability of FR's southern hub well if u can call it that now....is there a bus service connecting the two airports? there should be a Transfer system where people in Barcelona can hop on an EI flight to ORK and take a bus to their connecting USA flights at SNN or is that thick?
I can remember thinking this would be the name of my airline if I was mega rich. I was pretty miffed when I heard they had nicked my idea.....great name though.
EI2KSEA From Ireland, joined Jul 2004, 437 posts, RR: 0 Reply 111, posted (5 months 1 week 5 days ago) and read 4680 times:
Quoting Aidanoc5793 (Reply 108): there should be a Transfer system where people in Barcelona can hop on an EI flight to ORK and take a bus to their connecting USA flights at SNN or is that thick?
I'd never say someone else's idea is thick - thinking outside the box is often a sign of entrepreneurial spirit but its probably not the easiest way to fly from most European cities to the USA. The arrival processing, journey time, recheck-in and such would make it a time consuming option. Best idea for EI is to really make T2 at DUB work smoothly!
On the go-around posts. I have seen two of them at SNN before, once with a Rich International TriStar inbound from DUB (they used to operate Florida charters from DUB and SNN to MCO) and once with an FR B738 (with my Mum aboard) routing HHN-SNN.
The TriStar go around was truly spectacular, the noise and size of it!! It was due to a TU-154 of KMV not having cleared the runway before it. The FR go-around was because the AC B763 before it didnt clear in time. It basically landed, braked hard and tried to make the exit close to control tower. He stopped dead, tried the turn, changed his mind and basically sat crossways across the runway for about 30 seconds before opting to continue to the turning area at the river end of the runway. Of course by now my Mum is roaring over my head at the opposite end of the runway at the viewing area!!
BrianDromey From Ireland, joined exactly 3 years ago today! , 2957 posts, RR: 10 Reply 112, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 4666 times:
Maybe they just never quite got round to putting them in at ORK! Seriously, though could these bridges be re-used at ORK or would they need substantial modification? Shame to see them lying just up the road when they could be attached to an airport just down the road, mind you, wither they would be used at ORK is another story.
There are rumors on another site that ORK is considering extending the main runway, but selling off some land at the threshold of the shorter, cross runway to make this happen. Im not sure if it will come to anything.
Quoting Aidanoc5793 (Reply 106): anyway with more time being shaved off the Cork-Limerick route, may this draw more people to fly ORK? due to the variety of European scheduled/charter services and improved passenger facilities or will it not affect it at all?
It might do, or conversely more people may be inclined to drive from the Cork region to SNN.
Next flights: ORK-MAN (WW); MAN-ORK (EI) DUB-HHN-DUB(FR)
Wexfordflyer From Ireland, joined Jun 2009, 205 posts, RR: 0 Reply 114, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 4563 times:
Quoting Kaitak (Reply 113): Grass cutting next to a landing 757 ... probably not a good idea!
Anyone any idea of which airline this was. Coming from SSH at the time and date that it was I am going to guess it was Thomson Airways??
Can you imagine what that unsuspecting grasscutter thought when he saw the 757 coming at him?????
Come with me, there's a place I want you to see, where the leaves are dark, I've got a hiding place in central park.
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 1269 posts, RR: 0 Reply 116, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 4506 times:
Quoting EI2KSEA (Reply 111): On the go-around posts. I have seen two of them at SNN before, once with a Rich International TriStar inbound from DUB (they used to operate Florida charters from DUB and SNN to MCO) and once with an FR B738 (with my Mum aboard) routing HHN-SNN.
Interesting, I didn't think they were that common around here.
Cork could do with a few more airbridges; DUB has 9 (more with T2), SNN has 6 and ORK has 1.
Aerfort Idirnáisiúnta Siceágó Ó hAichir | Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 119, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 4482 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 116): Cork could do with a few more airbridges; DUB has 9 (more with T2), SNN has 6 and ORK has 1.
I agree with you completely, having to walk out is great don't get me wrong seeing the aircraft upclose and personal is brilliant but its not practical and frankly a ballz in bad weather. I think EI would use any airbridges at ORK as well as WW and the charters of course. I can't believe DUB has only 9 airbridges, its a disgrace, DUB is one of Europe's busiest airports it should have many more, I understand FR accounts for such a large portion of DUB and they do not require airbridges but LH,LX,SK,EI,WX,IB ect would all use them.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 120, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 4472 times:
Quoting Kaitak (Reply 113): Grass cutting next to a landing 757 ... probably not a good idea!
LOL.. certainly must have been a fright.
Looks nice with the Winglets.
Dont know if anyone noticed but there was a light aircraft flying over Dublin City center today advertising Tescos. Do they do that often for different companies?
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
EICVD From Ireland, joined Mar 2008, 1139 posts, RR: 4 Reply 121, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 4420 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 120): Do they do that often for different companies?
Saw the same a/c (most likely) flying over Croke Park on Sunday advertising Dublins 98. I think it does also advertise election candidates on election days
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 1269 posts, RR: 0 Reply 122, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 4400 times:
Quoting Aidanoc5793 (Reply 119): I can't believe DUB has only 9 airbridges, its a disgrace, DUB is one of Europe's busiest airports it should have many more, I understand FR accounts for such a large portion of DUB and they do not require airbridges but LH,LX,SK,EI,WX,IB ect would all use them.
They had 15 but then the 6 of them in Pier C got taken down (possibly the ones I saw in Shannon) to make way for Terminal 2 I think.
Aerfort Idirnáisiúnta Siceágó Ó hAichir | Chicago O'Hare International Airport
CelticMech From Ireland, joined Oct 2008, 167 posts, RR: 0 Reply 123, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 4369 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 122): Quoting Aidanoc5793 (Reply 119):
I can't believe DUB has only 9 airbridges, its a disgrace, DUB is one of Europe's busiest airports it should have many more, I understand FR accounts for such a large portion of DUB and they do not require airbridges but LH,LX,SK,EI,WX,IB ect would all use them.
They had 15 but then the 6 of them in Pier C got taken down (possibly the ones I saw in Shannon) to make way for Terminal 2 I think.
Dublin only has 8 airbridges...even worse! Stands 32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39.(Pier B) None on Pier A, None on Pier C anymore.None on Pier D, Will be a heap on the new Pier/Terminal on completion.
Wexfordflyer From Ireland, joined Jun 2009, 205 posts, RR: 0 Reply 124, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 4362 times:
Quoting EICVD (Reply 115): My first thought was Monarch. They were still flying the 757 here a few months ago.
Quoting Irish251 (Reply 118): It was Thomson, in First Choice colours and operated by a Skyservice crew!
Indeed, found that out a little while earlier. Just realised too that I was actually working on this flight. the first I have heard of it anyway!!! There was actually an error in that report, tiny but sure I am a little nit-picky. It says there were 8 crew when there were in fact 9.
He certainly was cutting it fine.......*hangs head in shame*
Come with me, there's a place I want you to see, where the leaves are dark, I've got a hiding place in central park.
The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR), which administers the Travellers' Protection Fund, said in its annual report published yesterday that last year one travel agency and four holders of both tour operator and travel agency licences collapsed.
Aviation regulator flies high with €1.3m surplus for 2008
THE COMMISSION for Aviation Regulation (Car) achieved an operating surplus of €1.3 million in 2008, according to its annual report, which was published yesterday. This compared with a surplus of €376,778 in 2007.
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 126, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 4181 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 125): Thomas Cook staff hold a rally on Grafton Street, Dublin, over proposed job cuts
I wish them a lot of luck in their efforts to keep their jobs, It must be awful not knowing whether your gonna get the axe, my uncle is on protective notice and he is next to go so I feel sorry for him.
TravelExec From Spain, joined Dec 2007, 355 posts, RR: 0 Reply 127, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 4141 times:
Quoting F1eddie (Reply 66):
Dont know. I know i paid $10 for one of those personal media players in OZ to waste away the four hour flight from AVV>PER. On the way back they were sold out by the time they got to me, and i was quite annoyed.... Was great.
I can remember thinking this would be the name of my airline if I was mega rich. I was pretty miffed when I heard they had nicked my idea.....great name though.
I remember the good old days on Debonair - I used to travel on them LTN-MAD regularly around 1994... I always thought it was the best name ever for an airline, although the a/c didn't quite match up to the name, and the livery was a little tacky - charcoal grey and flourescent pink if I remember correctly...
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 129, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 3 hours ago) and read 4046 times:
Quoting COEI2007 (Reply 128): I've booked a few holidays with them, and always found them great! Got great deals ex UK to, so its a shame to see them go!
Are these Thomas Cook shops or Panorma/Sunworld? Do they offer long haul flights via the UK? Sorry i have never knew this existed
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 130, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 4036 times:
Quoting Aidanoc5793 (Reply 129): Are these Thomas Cook shops or Panorma/Sunworld? Do they offer long haul flights via the UK? Sorry i have never knew this existed
They were Thomas Cook retail shops. One on the corner of Clerys opposite Cafe Kylemore and another at Bottom of Grafton Street. From what I heard they sold everything but also Thomas Cook UK products. They are seperate than Panorama/Sunworld even though they are part of the Thomas Cook group.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 131, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 4004 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 130): They were Thomas Cook retail shops. One on the corner of Clerys opposite Cafe Kylemore and another at Bottom of Grafton Street. From what I heard they sold everything but also Thomas Cook UK products. They are seperate than Panorama/Sunworld even though they are part of the Thomas Cook group.
Ahh alright, thanks dude. Would have been great if they were in Cork, could have gone anywhere not restricted to the Spain. On a different topic, will there ever be direct flights to Vienna from ORK? I think EI could make this work year-round. EI could serve a lot more places from ORK like BRU,BUD etc
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 1269 posts, RR: 0 Reply 132, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days ago) and read 3949 times:
Quoting CelticMech (Reply 123): Dublin only has 8 airbridges...even worse! Stands 32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39.(Pier B) None on Pier A, None on Pier C anymore.None on Pier D, Will be a heap on the new Pier/Terminal on completion.
How many will be in the new terminal?
Quoting TravelExec (Reply 127): I can remember thinking this would be the name of my airline if I was mega rich. I was pretty miffed when I heard they had nicked my idea.....great name though.
I remember the good old days on Debonair - I used to travel on them LTN-MAD regularly around 1994... I always thought it was the best name ever for an airline,
Debonair...I don't get it - what's so great about the name?
Aerfort Idirnáisiúnta Siceágó Ó hAichir | Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 135, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days ago) and read 3900 times:
Terminal 2 is really impressive, hands down a really modern structure. Well done to the DAA for putting a real effort in. Does anyone know what facilities it will have??
Debonair is a play on words. I don't think it is spelt in quite the same way, but it means 'posh', really. There is an irish connection between Debonair and CityJet, they discussed merging at one stage, the combined airline was propose to be called, Debonaer.
Brian.
Next flights: ORK-MAN (WW); MAN-ORK (EI) DUB-HHN-DUB(FR)
M6480 From Ireland, joined Dec 2008, 76 posts, RR: 0 Reply 137, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3901 times:
Quick question to the EI lads,
I was pricing flights to Detroit with EI via ORD but noticed that the leg from ORD to DTW is also operated by EI on a 320 almost every day, always took the booking system to be very accurate??
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 3809 posts, RR: 22 Reply 138, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3900 times:
Quoting Rojam (Reply 91): Yes, there's nothing like a nice plastic plant to lend a professional ambiance. A plastic plant, are you for real ?
Sure, I don't mean a €5 one from Tesco, I meant a really expensive fancy one. You're hardly going to put one in that wants water
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 132): Debonair...I don't get it - what's so great about the name?
Maybe cause of the word debonaire...
debonaire - having a sophisticated charm; "a debonair gentleman"
debonaire - having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air; "looking chipper, like a man...diverted by his own wit"- Frances G. Patton; "life that is gay, brisk, and debonair"- H.M.Reynolds; "walked with a jaunty step"; "a jaunty optimist"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 139, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3884 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 138): Sure, I don't mean a €5 one from Tesco, I meant a really expensive fancy one. You're hardly going to put one in that wants water
You can get amazingly real looking flowers which are artificial. I have seen them in a few lounges and also at this time of year I wouldn't thank you for real flowers inside!! I have been dying with the Hayfever.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Aerdingus From Ireland, joined Dec 2006, 505 posts, RR: 1 Reply 140, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3892 times:
Alright lads see all this BS about grounding long haul Airbuses? What a joke. Anyway, was talking to a Slovakian colleague recently, & she told me SkyEurope went bankrupt just last week. I 'd heard bad things but didn't know they'd actually gone down the dumper. Sad because they were only new-ish. She said they flew near where she lived but were quite expensive. Guess who she flies with now....
Aw I'm just sitting here, shootin' the breeze with these three Rosarios
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 3809 posts, RR: 22 Reply 141, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3881 times:
Samer Majali has resigned from Royal Jordanian and I read somewhere that there would be an announcement within two weeks as to what he'll be doing next.
Prediction: He will become the new Aer Lingus CEO.
I could be completely off the wall on this one, but he's done great things for RJ, so I think he would be perfect for EI.
I choose to fly oneworld, as a member of Qantas Frequent Flyer.
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 142, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3868 times:
Quoting Aerdingus (Reply 140): I 'd heard bad things but didn't know they'd actually gone down the dumper. Sad because they were only new-ish. She said they flew near where she lived but were quite expensive. Guess who she flies with now....
They are still flying, they have gone into bankruptcy protection I heard, maybe i'm wrong
COEI2007 From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 1684 posts, RR: 7 Reply 143, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3874 times:
Quoting M6480 (Reply 137): Quick question to the EI lads,
I was pricing flights to Detroit with EI via ORD but noticed that the leg from ORD to DTW is also operated by EI on a 320 almost every day, always took the booking system to be very accurate??
Its an EI flight number on a UA service.
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 141): Samer Majali has resigned from Royal Jordanian and I read somewhere that there would be an announcement within two weeks as to what he'll be doing next.
Prediction: He will become the new Aer Lingus CEO.
I could be completely off the wall on this one, but he's done great things for RJ, so I think he would be perfect for EI.
We could do a lot worse. He has improved RJ and started to turn RJ into a hub airline!
BrianDromey From Ireland, joined exactly 3 years ago today! , 2957 posts, RR: 10 Reply 144, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3876 times:
Quoting M6480 (Reply 137): I was pricing flights to Detroit with EI via ORD but noticed that the leg from ORD to DTW is also operated by EI on a 320 almost every day, always took the booking system to be very accurate??
Unless EI have a secret operation at ORD operating a CRJ 700, 737-500 and an A320, I think it's a mistake. All of these are EI 6xxx, which usually means United Airlines codeshare. I think it's just the worng information has been entered into a data field.
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 141): Samer Majali has resigned from Royal Jordanian and I read somewhere that there would be an announcement within two weeks as to what he'll be doing next.
Would this not just be DM all over again? I've not heard of this guy before, does he have much experience of European operations?
Brian.
Next flights: ORK-MAN (WW); MAN-ORK (EI) DUB-HHN-DUB(FR)
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 3809 posts, RR: 22 Reply 147, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3844 times:
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 144): Would this not just be DM all over again? I've not heard of this guy before, does he have much experience of European operations?
Why would it be DM all over again?
He doesn't have experience in European operations, but he has been CEO of RJ from 2001 to 2009.
Quoting M6480 (Reply 146): Hopefully not, RJ doesn’t look to be in the best of shape at the moment
He became CEO in 2001, and RJ had losses in 2002 and 2003, profits in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 and there was a loss in 2008. However, he's turned RJ from a pretty crap airline to a privatised carrier, the first carrier from the Middle East into an alliance (oneworld) and extensively revamped the fleet (E190s, E175s, A319s, A320s, A321s) along with a product upgrade (new flat seats on the A310s, PTVs throughout the fleet), and orders for the Boeing 787. I'd say he has the experience to turn EI into something good!
Anyway, whether it happens or not is purely speculation, he's done good things for RJ and has extensive experience as an airline CEO.
I choose to fly oneworld, as a member of Qantas Frequent Flyer.
COEI2007 From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 1684 posts, RR: 7 Reply 149, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 3799 times:
Anybody know how CO and DL are doing? I know CO's loadfactor ex DUB a year or two ago was always very high, and loads in J were strong.
On CO's website you can see how many people are/were booked in J, and a lot of there flights seems to have light loads in J. I wonder will they drop there second EWR flight?
Kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 8622 posts, RR: 35 Reply 150, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 3812 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 147): He became CEO in 2001, and RJ had losses in 2002 and 2003, profits in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 and there was a loss in 2008. However, he's turned RJ from a pretty crap airline to a privatised carrier, the first carrier from the Middle East into an alliance (oneworld) and extensively revamped the fleet (E190s, E175s, A319s, A320s, A321s) along with a product upgrade (new flat seats on the A310s, PTVs throughout the fleet), and orders for the Boeing 787. I'd say he has the experience to turn EI into something good!
I have to say that, as good a job as he's done with RJ, the markets are totally different; RJ serves very regulated markets and doesn't have a major competitor breathing down its neck. I just don't see him having the experience to take on EI.
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 152, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 3791 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 141): Prediction: He will become the new Aer Lingus CEO.
Hey! Is that a guess or from some sort of source out of matter of interest? I think a new face from a different market could be exactly what EI need, someone commented earlier about his european experience, maybe thats a good thing, most of the mid eastern carriers are world class and profitable albeit under different market conditions, maybe he could bring something new to EI and make a profit, Giovanni Trapatoni isn't irish yet he is doing well on bringing us to the world cup. It might be a mistake but how know's. EI has everything to lose they've tried every other which way, why not a foreign CEO?
BrianDromey From Ireland, joined exactly 3 years ago today! , 2957 posts, RR: 10 Reply 153, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 3776 times:
Quoting Aidanoc5793 (Reply 152): could be exactly what EI need, someone commented earlier about his european experience, maybe thats a good thing, most of the mid eastern carriers are world class and profitable albeit under different market conditions, maybe he could bring something new to EI and make a profit,
What this guy has is exactly the type of experience DM had. That did not do the airline much good, did it? The reality is that EI's market is based around low-fare O&D, short-haul flights. Long-haul flights have struggled, for various reasons, but the biggest one is home market size. Now, if EI have selected this guy I would be inclined to think they are serious about long-haul expansion, connecting traffic via DUB and making use of Open Skies in a massive way.
Brian.
Next flights: ORK-MAN (WW); MAN-ORK (EI) DUB-HHN-DUB(FR)
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 154, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 3772 times:
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 153): What this guy has is exactly the type of experience DM had.
DM was in the UAE, Jordan is slightly more liberal and RJ isn't EK, I don't know the dude or his experience but if hes the right man for the job, I should hope he would get it, all I'm saying there's no point saying his lack of experience would make him the wrong guy, look at our politicians they are supposed to have experience and they rightly fudged up, sometimes too much experience makes you too cautious, and thats not the type of person EI need.
Aidanoc5793 From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 157, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 3723 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 145): Yes still flying and selling tickets , i wouldnt buy one though as what I have heard its only a matter of time.
This could be good for OS/HG at VIE room to expand and take pressure off of OS on its routes dare I say a good opportunity for EI to establish a base at VIE...hahaha messing
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 5316 posts, RR: 17 Reply 161, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 5 hours ago) and read 3421 times:
Ryanair ANNOUNCES 33rd BASE AT PORTO
2 aircraft, 16 routes and 1.5M passengers p.a.
Quote: Ryanair, Europe’s largest low fares airline, today (30th June) announced it would open its 33rd base at Porto (Northern Portugal) with two based aircraft and four new routes (16 in total). Ryanair will offer 50 daily return flights to/from Porto in an investment worth over $140 million.
Ryanair’s four new routes from Porto to Basel, Eindhoven, St Etienne and Tours from September and a doubling of flights to Paris Beauvais (to twice daily) will increase Ryanair’s traffic at Porto to 1.5 million passengers p.a. which will sustain 1,500 well paid local jobs.
Pe@rson From United Kingdom (England), joined Jan 2001, 16752 posts, RR: 58 Reply 162, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 5 hours ago) and read 3415 times:
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 5316 posts, RR: 17 Reply 163, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 5 hours ago) and read 3407 times:
Quoting Pe@rson (Reply 162): Already a thread about it, but good to see it here too. Of course, almost nobody will discuss it, preferring, of course, to talk about EI.
Well I thought a positive mention of Ryanair would be a nice change around here! Aer Lingus is a bit quiet at the moment which is always a bad sign so things will be back to normal soon enough.
BrianDromey From Ireland, joined exactly 3 years ago today! , 2957 posts, RR: 10 Reply 165, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 3241 times:
It's amazing that FR has so many crew bases all over Europe. Has any airline in history ever had more "domiciles"/"hubs"/"focus cities"/"bases", or whatever the airline chooses to call them? How many would U2 or WN have, for example?
Interestingly U2 announced 2 new routes from LGW, HAM and OPO. OPO is getting a lot of lo-co luv'n at the minute, with the FR base and all that. Has anyone been? U2 seem not to be targeting any of the new EI destinations directly, although it seems they already fly to ACE and TFS - I assume these are ex GB?. There could be a market of people to capture here...
FCO also seems to be a target for U2, they plan ATH, AMS, LIS and Lamezia. Never heard of Lamezia though?
Quoting Bramble (Reply 159): Well DM was a mid level guy in EK. Whereas this guy was top dog in RJ. Bit of a difference there I think.
Fair point, I think. I've been having a look at RJ today and they look to have come on an awful lot. From products on-board, oneworld membership and fleet. I take on-board that RJ has taken E-Jets and A319s over the past few years and developed quite the network in the middle east. They also have a very cool TV ad, very high quality stuff.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKhZRwBL68A
Brian.
[Edited 2009-07-02 09:10:08]
Next flights: ORK-MAN (WW); MAN-ORK (EI) DUB-HHN-DUB(FR)
Kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 8622 posts, RR: 35 Reply 166, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days ago) and read 3178 times:
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 165): Fair point, I think. I've been having a look at RJ today and they look to have come on an awful lot. From products on-board, oneworld membership and fleet. I take on-board that RJ has taken E-Jets and A319s over the past few years and developed quite the network in the middle east. They also have a very cool TV ad, very high quality stuff....
Actually, the CEO of RJ has now become the CEO of GF, so that's that plan out the window!
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 165): Interestingly U2 announced 2 new routes from LGW, HAM and OPO. OPO is getting a lot of lo-co luv'n at the minute, with the FR base and all that. Has anyone been? U2 seem not to be targeting any of the new EI destinations directly, although it seems they already fly to ACE and TFS - I assume these are ex GB?. There could be a market of people to capture here...
Yes, and I noticed that they are also moving into FUE, which FR vacated a few months back.
Quoting Bramble (Reply 159): Well DM was a mid level guy in EK. Whereas this guy was top dog in RJ. Bit of a difference there I think.
In fairness, his title was President of Services (whatever that meant!), so he was quite senior.
Quoting Shamrock350 (Reply 163): Aer Lingus is a bit quiet at the moment which is always a bad sign so things will be back to normal soon enough.
I wonder how much longer it will take them to complete this; hopefully it is a very complete root (or route!) and branch look at what they do and how they can generate new revenue streams. I still think that the size of the aircraft in their fleet has to be a major focus of any new plan. The A320 is too big to be their smallest type and the A350-900 is too big to be their sole long haul type. I'd like to see something of 787 size, but until the problems with the 787 are clarified and sorted out, I wouldn't like to see them going down that road either.
"What are we going to do tonight, Brain?" "Same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world".
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 5316 posts, RR: 17 Reply 167, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days ago) and read 3169 times:
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 165): U2 seem not to be targeting any of the new EI destinations directly, although it seems they already fly to ACE and TFS - I assume these are ex GB?. There could be a market of people to capture here...
It seems that way for now which is good news. U2 reacted when EI first opened the LGW and BFS bases but these new routes for winter hardly go near any of U2's big routes so EI might avoid any direct competition but you can be sure that U2 still want rid of EI at LGW and on a smaller scale, BFS. I've heard people say that U2 only really react when their big routes are attacked and it seems possible especially when you compare how aggressive FR can be even if you stay out of their way e.g RE.
There is rumour that U2 will base an A320 at BFS in December which would see them start ACE, there could be room for both EI and U2 on ACE but it is proving very successful for EI at BFS so I'm sure they'd rather have it to themselves.
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 165): They also have a very cool TV ad, very high quality stuff....
Nice advert, the bubble is a bit strange but I really like their cabin and the economy seats are the same recaro seats that EI have in the A330s. Those seats are proving very popular with airlines at the moment!
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 165): FCO also seems to be a target for U2, they plan ATH, AMS, LIS and Lamezia. Never heard of Lamezia though?
Lamezia (SUF) is in the south of Italy, U2 currently fly there from MXP so FCO will be their second route.
Pe@rson From United Kingdom (England), joined Jan 2001, 16752 posts, RR: 58 Reply 168, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days ago) and read 3169 times:
Quoting Kaitak (Reply 166): I noticed that they are also moving into FUE, which FR vacated a few months back.
That's your only comment about FR? And, unsurprisingly, it's negative (i.e. about a route that FR stopped). No comment on OPO! Yet loads on EI. In the future, this thread really ought to be retitled: "Irish: good things about Aer Lingus and bad about Ryanair, if mentioned at all."
BrianDromey From Ireland, joined exactly 3 years ago today! , 2957 posts, RR: 10 Reply 169, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days ago) and read 3145 times:
Quoting Kaitak (Reply 166): Actually, the CEO of RJ has now become the CEO of GF, so that's that plan out the window!
Indeed! I honestly think he is better suited to that type of market, the Mid-East market is so different to our own. That said, if anyone would be well placed to develop T2 and creation of a hub at DUB it would be someone from the mid-east market, or possibly QF or NZ. I think it would be favorable if the next CEO had a track-record of delivering growth and innovative products to airlines on the periphery of major regions.
Pe@rson From United Kingdom (England), joined Jan 2001, 16752 posts, RR: 58 Reply 170, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days ago) and read 3135 times:
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 169): FR only keep growing, keep taking on 73H's and mouthing off in the press....we need them to do something interesting for a change!
A brand-new base is interesting. Rather funny that EZY gets more mention in this IRISH thread about its non-Irish routes than an Irish airline does with its non-Irish routes...
Pe@rson From United Kingdom (England), joined Jan 2001, 16752 posts, RR: 58 Reply 173, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 3116 times:
I got it years ago, hence TAEFC. It is rather ironic and sad: people herein complain that FR is somewhat dishonest yet they themselves champion the Irish thread in which 99% of discussion involves EI.
Kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 8622 posts, RR: 35 Reply 174, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 3093 times:
Quoting Pe@rson (Reply 173): It is rather ironic and sad: people herein complain that FR is somewhat dishonest yet they themselves champion the Irish thread in which 99% of discussion involves EI.
Don't take it personally; it's just that we prefer to talk about EI; it's not necessarily an EI fan club and I didn't think, when I was writing, that the reference to U2 taking over from FR in FUE was necessarily negative. It was just put down as a fact. There is actually a lot of admiration and respect for FR here. We have said in the past - and I haven't seen it stated widely elsewhere - that no airline has changed the way we travel today like FR. It has shown courage, which goes hand in hand with its "mouthing off". The problem is that it's very difficult to, how should I put it, "relate" to FR.
And for that matter, we don't discuss RE or WX much on these threads either!
It's just the way it is; not a reflection on any airline, but I guess we just "warm" to EI. FR just doesn't do warmth!
"What are we going to do tonight, Brain?" "Same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world".
Shamrock321 From Ireland, joined May 2008, 786 posts, RR: 0 Reply 175, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 3055 times:
I thought EI had retired EI-LAX? It operated a once again very delayed EI109/108 yesterday.
I don't meen to pick on EI but there punctuality seems to have gone hrough the floor as of late!
They have also being haveing some big problems because of baggage problems in T5, there are alot of EI passengers without baggage, IB seem to be having some problems in MAD aswell.
Yesterdays and Sundays early EI flights to MAD was/will be an A330 I think to accomidate Spanish students.
Wexfordflyer From Ireland, joined Jun 2009, 205 posts, RR: 0 Reply 176, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 3065 times:
Did anyone hear that one of the bodies found in AF447 was one of the irish girls?? I thought I heard something about it on the radio yesterday, but I only caught the end of it and wasnt fully listening no not sure. I am probably wrong but thought I would check.
Come with me, there's a place I want you to see, where the leaves are dark, I've got a hiding place in central park.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 177, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 3072 times:
Complaints spiral after airport’s radar system fails
Thursday, July 02, 2009
A FAILURE of the radar system at Dublin Airport in July 2008 led to an unprecedented level of complaints from passengers seeking compensation from airlines for delays and cancellations, according to the Commission for Aviation Regulation.
Lufthansa group airlines CEO Stefan Lauer has taken over Sir Michael Bishop as chairman of Bmi. Mean while the head of Irish operations has been relocated to Cairo for 3 months.
( I wonder if the amount of slots will be kept by BMI out of DUB. )
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Shamrock321 From Ireland, joined May 2008, 786 posts, RR: 0 Reply 178, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 3069 times:
bmi only have 6 daily flights to DUB now, any further reductions and they may aswell give up to EI. It is a route which to be succesful on you must have a decent frequency. Any lower than 6 is pushing it a little.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 179, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 3045 times:
Delta have an amazing offer on the DUB-ATL/JFK routes for Skymiles members. Buy any ticket in Y/M/B class and then cash in 1 ...yes 1 mile for an upgrade to Business Elite!! Amazing.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Bramble From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 180, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 3029 times:
Quoting Shamrock321 (Reply 175): I thought EI had retired EI-LAX? It operated a once again very delayed EI109/108 yesterday.
I don't meen to pick on EI but there punctuality seems to have gone hrough the floor as of late
-LAX has been away for a C check and cabin refit for the last few weeks. (think 4-6)
The punctuality should get back to normal now that -LAX is back in the fleet. They have been using the fleet at full stretch since Mar/Apr. At least now they will have a bit of elasticity in the rotation/integration of the A330 fleet. As well as 7/9 aircraft with the modern Recaro seats and Panasonic EX2 AVOD system.
Al2637 From Ireland, joined Oct 2006, 328 posts, RR: 3 Reply 181, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 2926 times:
I'm afraid I have to agree with Pea@rson. This thread has turned so much into an EI love fest, i've actually stopped contributing much.
The endless convos about how EI service can be improved do my head in! EI don't need to improve service, they need to cut costs... they're losing their shirts at the moment, the economy is NOT going to improve anytime soon, and the Irish market is price sensitive. Cut cut cut... and keep the fares low. Charge for bags, meals, and IFE on long haul and come out fighting. DUB will NEVER be a hub. T2 won't change the economics of that.
FR on the ohter hand continue to prove they are one of the best run airlines in the world. New bases, decent operating results, and Ireland's biggest airline! If MOL does start is long haul operation, EI are finished.
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 5316 posts, RR: 17 Reply 182, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 2904 times:
It was mentioned a few months back, I think by EISHN that Ryanair now play classical music on boarding instead of that irritating jingle they did have. Has anyone flown Ryanair recently and heard the music? Hearing classical music with that yellow cabin just wouldn't seem right!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 183, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 2892 times:
Quoting Shamrock350 (Reply 182): Has anyone flown Ryanair recently and heard the music? Hearing classical music with that yellow cabin just wouldn't seem right!
Yes the last few flights I have been on they play the classical music and then it interupts with that ad '' youve made it to the airport, you have managed to get all bags on and past security'' blah blah blah, something along those lines. Also a pre recorded safety demo by a well spoken Irish guy.
Olympic Air "Η Ελλάδα ψηλά" - ''Flying Greece Sky High''
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 5316 posts, RR: 17 Reply 184, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 2869 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 183):
Quoting Shamrock350 (Reply 182):
Has anyone flown Ryanair recently and heard the music? Hearing classical music with that yellow cabin just wouldn't seem right!
Yes the last few flights I have been on they play the classical music and then it interupts with that ad '' youve made it to the airport, you have managed to get all bags on and past security'' blah blah blah, something along those lines. Also a pre recorded safety demo by a well spoken Irish guy.
Not surprised they still interrupt the music with adverts, good revenue I suppose. I wonder if any airlines would ever approach Ryanair to advertise on their aircraft or if Ryanair would even accept? I can just imagine the overhead lockers covered in orange adverts for EasyJet!
Seems Ryanair has updated their recordings recently, the on time arrival announcement is made by a man with a Scottish accent instead of the American accent one and the music is different, at least it was that last time I heard it.
BrianDromey From Ireland, joined exactly 3 years ago today! , 2957 posts, RR: 10 Reply 187, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 2753 times:
Quoting Shamrock350 (Reply 182): Has anyone flown Ryanair recently and heard the music? Hearing classical music with that yellow cabin just wouldn't seem right!
They do play classical music alright. It sounds much better than the annoying jingle. To be honest with the stress of getting through the airport, boarding and finding your seat the last thing most passengers would need is an irritating jingle.
I, personally, don't find the yellow cabin that terrible. What exactly do people see wrong with it? To be honest I think the bright orange strips on the U2 overhead bins looks a lot brighter and more intrusive, especially when combined with the busy pattern on the seats.
Brian.
Next flights: ORK-MAN (WW); MAN-ORK (EI) DUB-HHN-DUB(FR)
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 16891 posts, RR: 54 Reply 188, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 2744 times:
Quoting Shamrock321 (Reply 175): Yesterdays and Sundays early EI flights to MAD was/will be an A330 I think to accomidate Spanish students.
Could be, when I was in Dublin the other day there were lots of school groups all Spanish walking around the center of town. I remember last Summer on my flights to Spain that there were often large groups also. I guess if demand is there then good to run the A330 down there to meet demand. That goes for any European route also.
------------
( An interesting different view on the tax )
Travel tax may have positive effect on Irish tourism sector
OPINION : Ryanair claims the levy will see a fall in travel, but will tourists spend more at home instead?
THE Irish Aviation Authority has failed in its attempts to avoid paying the terms of a transitional wage agreement and now faces a bill for a wage increase of €4.5 million.
A friend of mine told me that there is a new service starting to Dublin tomorrow. Star 1 airlines or something like that from somewhere in Lithuania with a 737-700. He couldn't remember where he had heard it and I certainly hadn't seen it anywhere. Anyone know more?
Styles9002 From United States, joined May 2007, 206 posts, RR: 0 Reply 191, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 4 hours ago) and read 2585 times:
Quoting Al2637 (Reply 181): 'm afraid I have to agree with Pea@rson. This thread has turned so much into an EI love fest, i've actually stopped contributing much.
I'll add my post to this sentiment. Almost all of the comments on this thread tend to be EI-focused and beyond that, irrationally positive about even the most insignificant news. By no means am I a fan of FR (I've only flown them once) but for an Irish airline to now have 33 bases around Europe where 18 years ago they were on the cusp of failing is astounding and should be roundly cheered by all on the island of Ireland. All this despite having to face the 800lb gorilla of a national carrier with all its inherent advantages and gov't support who abused its dominant position to try to drive FR out of business at the start. Now, most people let their personal opinions about CEOs color their comments and use it to detract from an exceptional Irish aviation story. WX and RE have also contributed much to Irish aviation, especially WX when the filled a void left by EI abandoning SNN-LHR.
Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans and the friends of America on this thread!
Shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 5316 posts, RR: 17 Reply 192, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 2574 times:
Quoting DavecFlyer (Reply 190): A friend of mine told me that there is a new service starting to Dublin tomorrow. Star 1 airlines or something like that from somewhere in Lithuania with a 737-700. He couldn't remember where he had heard it and I certainly hadn't seen it anywhere. Anyone know more?
I believe they've only just started up with three routes, DUB, STN and GRO. They have one 737-700 with plans to lease another this year and also have plans for flights to Paris and Milan with additional frequencies added to London. Already two of their three routes compete with Aer Lingus, Dublin and London although they'll serve STN while Aer Lingus will be at LGW. So Vilnius has gone from having no London link to having two!
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 187): I, personally, don't find the yellow cabin that terrible. What exactly do people see wrong with it?
I don't really find the FR cabin that terrible, the yellow doesn't bother me and it certainly doesn't give me a headache like some people say but it does look and feel tacky so the irritating music sort of went with it. I like that they've changed it to classical music, I have no idea if it actually has any effect on people when they're boarding but I always think it seems to calm people down after the rush of boarding and the whole airport experience.
Neutral From Ireland, joined Nov 2007, 166 posts, RR: 0 Reply 193, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 2570 times:
Quote Reply 190
A friend of mine told me that there is a new service starting to Dublin tomorrow. Star 1 airlines or something like that from somewhere in Lithuania with a 737-700. He couldn't remember where he had heard it and I certainly hadn't seen it anywhere. Anyone know more?
Its down on the DAA's website as a new route starting July 4th Dublin to Vilnius
Pe@rson From United Kingdom (England), joined Jan 2001, 16752 posts, RR: 58 Reply 195, posted (5 months 1 week 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 2561 times:
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