kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11951 posts, RR: 37 Posted (4 months 2 weeks 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 23221 times:
Good morning everyone and a very happy, safe and healthy new year to you all.
Well, 2012 has certainly been an interesting year in Irish aviation; the highlights are too many to list here, but it certainly has been a year of more positives than negatives; in just over a week, we'll mark the 1st anniversary of the first Emirates flights to DUB (can it be a year already!) and we also saw the end of year on year declines in traffic. DUB and Aer Lingus experienced growth and apart from Emirates, we saw a fair number of new routes either launched or announced for next year.
The first half of 2013 (i.e. now!) sees us holding the presidency of the EU, so that will certainly give economic growth a boost, and of course, we have the Gathering.
There are good reasons to be optimistic - of course, good reasons to be more cautious, but I have a good feeling about this year!
I wish you all the best for the year and without further ado, let's move onto our first new thread of 2013 ...
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24894 posts, RR: 60 Reply 1, posted (4 months 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 22961 times:
Happy New Year
Shannon really needs to come up with the goods now or it will have egg on its face. Lets hope that there is some good leadership skills and they aggressively go out and get the business. This has the potential to be very positive for SNN so lets hope it works out .
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
BestWestern From Ireland, joined Sep 2000, 6431 posts, RR: 58 Reply 2, posted (4 months 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 22919 times:
Varadkar has already ruled out a sweetheart deal from Ryanair, so unsure where the shannon traffic will come from. The first major investment in Shannon will have to be the runway overlay - that will cost tens of millions, so hopefully the Shannon cash will be spent wisely.
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2608 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (4 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 22554 times:
Attention now turns to merging the new SAA with a restructured Shannon Development by 1st July. EI sponsored two return SNN-USA tickets to one lucky passenger at the airport this morning to celebrate the independence of the airport. No doubt EI along with others are looking forward to reduced operational and landing charges here.
[quote=dstc47 (Reply 3): Cant see SNN doing any better just due to the change of nameplate.
Surely though it wasn't sustainable for SNN to operate under a company with the country's main airport as its primary entity? If an airline came to the DAA looking to start service to either DUB or SNN would the DAA be pitching both of them evenly or would they lean more towards DUB? Personally I think the "Dublin Airport Authority" name alone answers that question.
If someone were asked "what was the best aircraft Aer Lingus ever operated?", there would be quite a few to choose from - the F27, Viscount, 737, 747, 707, A330 and a few more besides, but if someone were asked the worst, the Carvair would probably top the list (maybe the Viking, too) ... in the words of one of its first pilots: "a bloody awful aeroplane, it really was".
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1616 posts, RR: 2 Reply 6, posted (4 months 2 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 22409 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 5): but if someone were asked the worst, the Carvair would probably top the list (maybe the Viking, too) ... in the words of one of its first pilots: "a bloody awful aeroplane, it really was".
Agreed...the Carvair was a dodgy niche aircraft. It was a bad idea from the start.......on the other hand the Viking was foisted on EI as part of a deal and was a downright bad aircraft.
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11951 posts, RR: 37 Reply 7, posted (4 months 2 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 22342 times:
Just at DUB now, waiting for the EI 230 to LGW; humungous queues this morning; took about 20 minutes, snaking back and forth, to get to a desk; security queue not much better. Still, just waiting for my flight call and on my way.
Weather not looking too great for JER ... would not at all upset if I had to spend a night at LGW at BA's expense ...
dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1350 posts, RR: 3 Reply 8, posted (4 months 2 weeks 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 22275 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 4): Surely though it wasn't sustainable for SNN to operate under a company with the country's main airport as its primary entity? If an airline came to the DAA looking to start service to either DUB or SNN would the DAA be pitching both of them evenly or would they lean more towards DUB? Personally I think the "Dublin Airport Authority" name alone answers that question.
Well we may differ on this.
DUB is and will be the principal focus for air service to Ireland, not because of any conspiracy, or naming conventions, but simply because the bulk of inward and outward traffic want to reach the Dublin area and not Shannon.
True then, true today and true tomorrow, whatever SNN management regime applies. For most of the period of common ownership, or common management of the three State Airports, the overall management entity had a neutral name e.g. Aer Rianta, without any particular difference in the situation for SNN. While I am aware of cases where carriers were told to serve SNN also, when they wanted to serve DUB only. (All through the Shannon stopover period this applied to various US carriers, - mostly with the effect that those carriers served nowhere in Ireland at all). I am not, however, aware of any case where a carrier wishing to serve SNN was ever "lured" to DUB. This was not because DUB or the corporate headquarters were so clever as to conceal this but because airline managers, however stupid, look at the metrics behind a Shannon operation and found Dublin, and even Cork usually worked better. Only if SNN can cut operational costs, basically labour costs, to the levels of OCK or KIR will they have something to offer. Sadly, this is still likely still only to interest weaker, or predatory, carriers in search of free or subsidised landing rights and unable or unwilling to continue when concessions vanish.
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6100 posts, RR: 15 Reply 11, posted (4 months 2 weeks 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 21982 times:
Labour Court recommends new pension arrangements at Aer Lingus
Quote: The Labour Court has recommended that the general structure of the new pension arrangements at Aer Lingus, which were proposed by the company, be accepted.
These are interim recommendations, and relate to the resolution of pension deficit and other related matters at the airline.
The Labour Court has also recommended that the pension scheme be coordinated with the State pension.
Unions had argued that the effect of coordination would disproportionately hit those on lower levels of pensionable pay.
Lets hope theres some movement in the right direction on this one, it's been going on far too long.
If RE are fourth I dread to think what the rest are like! While RE crew are, almost universally, a friendly, courteous and generally great bunch and a pleasure to fly with, the RE fleet and timekeeping certainly are not. It's sad to read the skytrax reviews, very frequently the EIR flights are late and the cabins are pointed out as shabby/dirty. I have to say this does mirror my experience with RE. I don't think it is the fleet, per se. The oldest 500 is less than 5 years old, I honestly believe that these machines suffered from lack of preventative maintenance before, during and possibly after the examinership. They are still woefully unreliable. Indeed, EI operated some of the oldest, highest cycle A330s on the planet so age and cycles are not necessarily an excuse.
Next flights: MAN-ORK-LHR(EI)-MAN(BD); MAN-LHR(BD)-ORK (EI); DUB-ZRH-LAX (LX) LAX-YYZ (AC) YYZ-YHZ-LHR(AC)-DUB(BD)
gulfstream From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 54 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (4 months 2 weeks 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 21655 times:
Yes I agree EI is able to achieve longevity and reliability of it's aircraft as the result of a excellent maintenance program. We saw that with the incredible performance of thier 747-100 fleet. Now about the catering...
Unfortunately, SFO is out (as is anywhere else on the west coast); the govt would love them to fly to SFO, but has now been courting UA to do this - sadly with little success so far.
YYZ is far more likely, but is not likely to happen this year. They have instead added capacity to existing routes, particularly BOS and ORD.
During the depths of the recession, many of us were concerned about the A350 being too big for the airline's routes. I suspect that at this stage, with two full summer seasons to go before the A350 arrives, in 2015, EI is probably thinking it's not soon enough. Two are due in the first half and two in the second half of 2015, with two more in 2016.
In other news, the three EI A320s which will be operating the Virgin flights are EI-CVA, B and C.
But is there demand for EI going to SFO? Was the economic downturn the reason EI axed the west coast or was it low pax but with a great year for long haul last year and hopefully better this year would EI rethink SFO or LAX ?.
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2608 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (4 months 2 weeks 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 21400 times:
What about DUB-EWR? EI operated it before (pre-9/11 I believe) and now that UA has transferred the second daily EWR flight to IAD, could EI team up with them to offer an early afternoon flight? Would 3 daily DUB-NYC be too much for EI considering AA are soon joining them (as well as DL and UA) on the route?
Demand is not the problem, but demand at yields high enough to cover all the operating costs is.
I think EI will still stay focused on adding additional capacity on core markets such as JFK,BOS,ORD where they will make more money than trying another destination. They will only expand to new cities if they have additional aircraft beyond what these core markets can take.
I don't think YYZ will be a future EI route either, AC will add DUB to it's new Rouge leisure network eventually and maybe EI will code share on this.
What do you guys think of EI adding additional seats to some/all of it's A330 fleet to improve the economics on long haul mostly leisure markets such as YYZ,LAX etc?
Seat technology has advanced where you can get thinner seats at a tighter pitch and still maintain leg room comfort levels.
Air Berlin would be my example of having 303 new slimmer seats on a 330-200 versus EI's 275. http://www.airberlin.com/site/pressreleases_dr.php?LANG=eng&ID=4110
With 303 seats on the -200's the economics of West coast flying might be viable again!
BestWestern From Ireland, joined Sep 2000, 6431 posts, RR: 58 Reply 20, posted (4 months 2 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 20934 times:
Quoting clydenairways (Reply 18): What do you guys think of EI adding additional seats to some/all of it's A330 fleet to improve the economics on long haul mostly leisure markets such as YYZ,LAX etc?
Seat technology has advanced where you can get thinner seats at a tighter pitch and still maintain leg room comfort levels.
Air Berlin would be my example of having 303 new slimmer seats on a 330-200 versus EI's 275. http://www.airberlin.com/site/pressreleases_dr.php?LANG=eng&ID=4110
With 303 seats on the -200's the economics of West coast flying might be viable again!
Interesting that Air Berlin has gone fully flat bed on the A330 one year after relaunching their business class.
Above and beyond fleet commonality, Aer Berlin and Aer Lingus have a lot in common - hybrid carriers offering a low cost, product led service on both short and longer haul flights. Both have a regional arm.
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1616 posts, RR: 2 Reply 21, posted (4 months 2 weeks 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 20892 times:
Quoting clydenairways (Reply 18): Demand is not the problem, but demand at yields high enough to cover all the operating costs is........
With 303 seats on the -200's the economics of West coast flying might be viable again!
I agree but I would argue that the demand in J is more of a factor than getting 28 extra Y fare. The cost of retrofitting the full EI fleet may be prohibitive to the potential increase in yield.
Quoting EIBoston (Reply 19): So they are giving them the oldest 320's in the fleet. Nice
Did VS specify the aircraft? obviously not. They want A320's....they get them. These aircraft are reliable (1 careful owner...aged 75) well maintained and souns aircraft.
BestWestern From Ireland, joined Sep 2000, 6431 posts, RR: 58 Reply 22, posted (4 months 2 weeks 3 days 9 hours ago) and read 20720 times:
You may find that the oldest of the three A320s were due for a refit and paint job. You will also find that Virgin know exactly what they are getting in terms of aircraft.
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4039 posts, RR: 13 Reply 23, posted (4 months 2 weeks 3 days ago) and read 20417 times:
Quoting EIBoston (Reply 19): So they are giving them the oldest 320's in the fleet. Nice
These 3 were meant to be leaving the fleet anyway, so take it as a positive, net gain in the EI fleet!
In other news, DL are increasing frequency to JFK for the summer season - to 10 flights per week, with an extra departure on Tues, Thu and Sun ex Dublin. All flights to be operated by 767 on JFK, and A332 on ATL.
DUB-NYC, with up to 6 flights a day next summer, is going to be yields bloodbath - but probably good for us consumers!
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, EK
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 26, posted (4 months 2 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 20451 times:
I was doing some random Internet searching and stumbled across this completely by accident. I thought projects as ridiculous as this one would have long been parked at this stage but apparently not!
'Tubber airport plans to be lodged before end of year'
Well, it is the end of the year and still no sign. Those of us who try to argue the growth potential at SNN are often accused of being overly optimistic or even have dilusions of grandure (sometimes rightly so) but I think we all pale in comparison to the backers of this project. For those who don't want to waste your time reading it, some of the more memorable statements are:
Quote: Patrick Little said the fact that the international trade hub had been granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanála was a boost to the plans for airport as it would bring an additional 35,000 passengers through the airport every week.
Really?? 35,000 ADDITTIONAL passengers a week? What is the basis for that calculation? Please, I would love to know where that figure came from!
Quote: Mr Little stressed that the airport stands up on its own two feet without the trade hub as the midlands has the biggest population catchment in the country, but said the trade hub would bring additional passengers to the airport.
So basically, everything we know about geography and population patterns in Ireland is wrong! The Dublin area with its 1/3 of the country's population is clearly not be the biggest population centre in the country and the Munster region (population 1.2 million) is no where close to the population of Athlone and its environs. Also, the only airport in Ireland that currently stands on its own two feet is DUB. None of the others even come close without massive government subsidies or having their losses covered by semi-state companies. Yet this new airport which will immediately be burdened with a massive construction debt will buck the trend.
Quote: Mr Little added that the airport would be huge for the economy in the midlands and would have significant spin offs, such as a shuttle bus or even a rail system between the three gateway towns, dubbed the MAX (Midlands Area Xpress).
Sounds like the DART will no longer be the only dedicated high capacity, high frequency rail network in the country. What three gateway towns? Mullingar, Tullamore and Athlone or Dublin, Shannon and Athlone? If anything, such a project would only serve to bring more passengers away from the airport towards DUB which is where most of the airlines will still want to fly.
Quote: The €175 million development is now one step closer to becoming a reality, providing the massive jobs boost that the Midlands region needs," said Deputy Cowen.
€175 million? A couple of comparisons. The new terminal alone at ORK cost €140 mill plus a new control tower at €7.5 million for a design capacity of 3 million passengers annually. The extension to the SNN terminal cost IR£40 million (€50 million) for a desgn capacity of close to 4 million passengers annually and those figures do not account for inflation. Assuming the figure of 35,000 additional passengers weekly quoted above (1,820,000 annually) is a BONUS rather than the original base figure, that means that this airport is expected by its developers to handle at least 3.5 to 4 million per year which means that terminal should be designed for a capacity of closer to 6 million. A terminal for 6 million plus the airfield itself which would of course be designed to hangle B748/A380 at MTOW (why sell themselves short as clearly they are targeting services to China and the far east) for €175 million? Does anyone else see the irony of Brian Cowen quoting such a figure for this project?
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2608 posts, RR: 0 Reply 27, posted (4 months 2 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 20612 times:
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 23): DUB-NYC, with up to 6 flights a day next summer, is going to be yields bloodbath - but probably good for us consumers!
Not to mention the (up to) 3 daily from SNN and 1 daily from BFS. On your average Tuesday or Thursday next summer that's over 2,200 seats each way between Ireland and New York!
How many widebodies can DUB Terminal 2 accommodate simultaneously? On Thursdays in the summer DUB will have 19 longhaul departures, 15 of which are widebody and 17 of which depart from T2.
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4039 posts, RR: 13 Reply 28, posted (4 months 2 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 20573 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 27): Not to mention the (up to) 3 daily from SNN and 1 daily from BFS. On your average Tuesday or Thursday next summer that's over 2,200 seats each way between Ireland and New York!
How many widebodies can DUB Terminal 2 accommodate simultaneously? On Thursdays in the summer DUB will have 19 longhaul departures, 15 of which are widebody and 17 of which depart from T2.
Indeed! Hopefully the insane fares we had to pay last year will not be repeated!
T2 Pier E can handle I think 9 widebodies simultaneously, but as you know, it's normally a mix of narrow and widebodies. They can also use Pier B which adds a further 7 widebody stands.
More traffic will need to make use of Pier B this summer - no doubt about it.
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, EK
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11951 posts, RR: 37 Reply 29, posted (4 months 2 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 20527 times:
Was just looking at EK 161 this morning on Flightradar (as you do, when you can't sleep!) ... it took a very odd route; instead of heading in the usual westerly direction, skirting north of Qatar and up the Gulf towards Iraq, turned NNE, skirting the UAE coastline, then into Iranian airspace - climbing no higher than FL230; can no longer see it (presumably because FR24 can't pick up Iranian radar), but I can see that another EK flight is taking the same route, EK 27 to GLA.
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4039 posts, RR: 13 Reply 30, posted (4 months 2 weeks 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 20536 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 29): Was just looking at EK 161 this morning on Flightradar (as you do, when you can't sleep!) ... it took a very odd route; instead of heading in the usual westerly direction, skirting north of Qatar and up the Gulf towards Iraq, turned NNE, skirting the UAE coastline, then into Iranian airspace - climbing no higher than FL230; can no longer see it (presumably because FR24 can't pick up Iranian radar), but I can see that another EK flight is taking the same route, EK 27 to GLA.
The last time I flew DXB-DUB direct (which was with EI - yup, that long ago) we actually took a similar routing, although I cant say I remember the level cap at FL230!
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, EK
MichaelEI From Ireland, joined Jan 2011, 130 posts, RR: 0 Reply 31, posted (4 months 2 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 20263 times:
Hi everyone, and happy New Year to ye all!
Got a little bit of good news...as I'm sure some of ye are aware, EI are in the process of recruiting cabin crew for their A319/320/321 fleet. I applied, and after tough interviews with them, I was told yesterday at 5pm that I got the job, based in DUB, and begin my training on the 21st of this month! Great late christmas/early birthday present!
I'm going to keep an eagle eye out of any and all EI TRs from now on in case I see myself :P
by738 From US Minor Outlying Islands, joined Sep 2000, 1982 posts, RR: 1 Reply 34, posted (4 months 2 weeks 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 20186 times:
My EDI-NOC flight for a wedding has been cancelled, it looks as if the winter reductions has been extended. My last flight only had 5 people on it ! and my flight was only £26. Mmm. Hope they dont pull it indefinitely.
nightfox365 From Ireland, joined Jul 2011, 28 posts, RR: 0 Reply 35, posted (4 months 2 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 20119 times:
On saturday 29th of December, I was out at Dublin airport for the last spotting session of 2012, and saw an EI A320 over at pier A, which I thought quite odd, since there were plenty of stands available at T2. Could anyone shed any light as to why they would use pier A instead of T2?
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4039 posts, RR: 13 Reply 37, posted (4 months 2 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 19901 times:
Quoting nightfox365 (Reply 35): On saturday 29th of December, I was out at Dublin airport for the last spotting session of 2012, and saw an EI A320 over at pier A, which I thought quite odd, since there were plenty of stands available at T2. Could anyone shed any light as to why they would use pier A instead of T2?
It's just in preperation for the morning TATL inbounds. Some stands need to be kept open at T2 for those arrivals, and so if an aircraft is night stopping on the last sector of the day, it may need to be parked elsewhere. As Pier A has the space, it makes as much sense to park it there and then tow it to where it's required for boarding as it does to park it on a remote stand.
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, EK
Quick question quick answer I enquired about it with GC but the FF program's have no plans (at that time ) to link up which I think is a shame and an opportunity missed! Maybe in the future. Still EY are a good choice for a Dubai trip even if having to take the free bus.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
nightfox365 From Ireland, joined Jul 2011, 28 posts, RR: 0 Reply 41, posted (4 months 2 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 19682 times:
The A320 was still there well after the Emirates 77W left, which was nearly 1pm. By that time, there were stands available, as most of the TATL flights had come and gone.
clydenairways From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 998 posts, RR: 0 Reply 42, posted (4 months 2 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 19461 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 21): I agree but I would argue that the demand in J is more of a factor than getting 28 extra Y fare. The cost of retrofitting the full EI fleet may be prohibitive to the potential increase in yield.
I'm not proposing that EI take the exact Y/C ratio that AB have, but rather just use the new slimmer seat concept as a way to get more revenue from routes that are not currently economic such as West Coast US.
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6100 posts, RR: 15 Reply 43, posted (4 months 2 weeks 21 hours ago) and read 19052 times:
Anyone know why BA829 DUB-LHR was so delayed this evening? I think it's about 5 hours late and arriving at 2am! Only noticed as it flew over my house and I checked flightradar24 to see what it was.
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4039 posts, RR: 13 Reply 44, posted (4 months 2 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 19038 times:
Quoting nightfox365 (Reply 41): The A320 was still there well after the Emirates 77W left, which was nearly 1pm. By that time, there were stands available, as most of the TATL flights had come and gone.
It may not have been operating then, might have been spare for the day. No point moving it unless it's required. Winter season especially, there is no pressure for stands at T1.
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 43): Anyone know why BA829 DUB-LHR was so delayed this evening? I think it's about 5 hours late and arriving at 2am! Only noticed as it flew over my house and I checked flightradar24 to see what it was.
The flight plan was delayed several times during the evening from BA Ops in London. Suspect in that case it was a creeping technical delay?
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, EK
"The latest traffic statistics for Aer Lingus show that the airline flew 734,000 passengers last month, an increase of 7.2% on December 2011.The figures include the airline's regional operations.
Aer Lingus' short haul passengers figure came to 658,000, an increase of 6.5% on December the previous year; while long haul passengers last month were 76,000, an increase of 13.4% on December 2011.
The airline's load factor ....... increased as capacity fell. December's overall load factor increased by 2.9 points to 70.9%.
Its short haul load factor inched 0.7 points higher to 66.6%, while its long haul load factor rose by 6.1 points to 77.7%"
BestWestern From Ireland, joined Sep 2000, 6431 posts, RR: 58 Reply 46, posted (4 months 2 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 18957 times:
Promising set of results for EI. Wondering aloud what the short haul EI break even load factor is... I can only assume that it will be higher in Winter as fares are lower. A 6.1% load factor increase points to some excellent revenue management, and no doubt a push on connections.
Not sure about the capacity falling statement - if loads were up by 13.4% on long haul, and load factor was up by 6.1% percentage points, obviously capacity increased also, or is my grasp of simple maths failing me.
My flight last week was delayed 2 hours then cancelled . Eventually got to LHR over three hours late. Servisair refused to give refreshment vouchers too which was illegal under EU law. Lounge staff at DUB say there are quite a lot of delays on the BA DUB flights especially in the evening.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
shamrock321 From Ireland, joined May 2008, 1547 posts, RR: 1 Reply 48, posted (4 months 2 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 18750 times:
In fairness to the Servisair staff, they need authorisation from BA before issuing vouchers. I have noticed myself quite a few delays and cancellations on the DUB route. I fear BA are making a half hearted effort with it.
"Un aller simple à 49 euros TTC, en baisse de 20 euros par rapport au prix plus bas tarif proposé jusqu'ici en classe économique (69 euros). En contrepartie, des services jusqu'ici inclus dans le prix du billet qui disparaissent et deviennent pour certains des options payantes : c'est l'offre tarifaire sur 58 lignes domestiques et européennes au départ des bases de Paris-Orly, Marseille, Nice Toulouse mais aussi de London City Airport (les vols sont opérés par Cityjet) qu'a annoncée ce lundi Air France pour attirer les passagers dont le prix est le principal critère dans le choix d'une compagnie aérienne. "
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11951 posts, RR: 37 Reply 52, posted (4 months 2 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 18563 times:
Interesting to note this Hawaiian Airlines order for A321Neos, which will be used on flights between Hawaii and the mainland; that's going to require 180mins ETOPs and of course, the range, at 3,600nm, is very favourable. I think a certain carrier will be watching this quite closely (sadly, not for flights to Hawaii!)
rufusisgod From Ireland, joined Nov 2008, 70 posts, RR: 0 Reply 54, posted (4 months 1 week 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 18393 times:
With Brit Air, Regional & Airliner merging together to make HOP for french regional flying and the new low cost strategy AF are rolling out, where does that leave Cityjet? Go it fully alone?
Never made sense to me why they still have HQ in DUB ( tax reasons?) when most of the operation is based in LCY.
Hmm well a good recovery email from BA has been received and they specifically mentioned that they are looking into areas where they can bring DUB in line with the consistency of BAs other stations. So it seems they are aware and took onboard the issues I have raised. BA customer service is very good I have to say that. Just when things go wrong they are at the mercy of their handling agents at out stations which fall below the BA standard. Anyway lets hope its not a half hearted effort due to cutting the route eventually. I quite like having BA back on the route. Over the last number of weeks 5 out of 6 flights have been great with great crew.
lasno From Ireland, joined Sep 2006, 72 posts, RR: 0 Reply 57, posted (4 months 1 week 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 18107 times:
The Sunday Times makes apology to Ryanair and pays substantial damages. Nice to see that the money is going to the Jack and Jill Children's foundation.
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2608 posts, RR: 0 Reply 58, posted (4 months 1 week 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 17981 times:
SNN has updated its profile on The Route Shop. I find it interesting that they see the requirement for additional capacity on the SNN-AGP and SNN-BOS routes.
EIBoston From Ireland, joined Sep 2006, 416 posts, RR: 0 Reply 59, posted (4 months 1 week 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 17894 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 58):
SNN has updated its profile on The Route Shop. I find it interesting that they see the requirement for additional capacity on the SNN-AGP and SNN-BOS routes.
Well EI seem to have taken the hint on the extra capacity to BOS with the swapping over the schedule for BOS and JFK this year. I know it is only 1 extra flight but it is a start. Now if we could get some other airline to fly direct to Ireland from BOS it would be great. EI have a monopoly on this route.
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6100 posts, RR: 15 Reply 60, posted (4 months 1 week 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 17647 times:
Aer Lingus have started tests at JFK T5, EI-ELA was parked at one of the gates today and the plan is to start operations on St. Patrick's Day! A few photos were posted on Instagram so start date might not be 100% accurate.
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 58): SNN has updated its profile on The Route Shop. I find it interesting that they see the requirement for additional capacity on the SNN-AGP and SNN-BOS routes.
Interesting to see LTN still listed as an unserved UK route which they see having significant potential, would love to see Aer Lingus Regional start but don't think it's likely.
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1616 posts, RR: 2 Reply 62, posted (4 months 1 week 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 17286 times:
More speculation on an FR deal with Boeing, 200 aircraft mentioned. MoL also uses the press conference to put the boot in at 2 legacy airlines who are not in great shape in bad way.
"Boeing have plenty of availability in the order book," Mr O'leary said. "We are in the fairly early stages of talks to see if we can reach an agreement on price."
"We are talking to 60 new airports we do not fly to it, some in Israel, we are inundated with requests and airport deals at the moment. We are frankly less enthused by Russia, Ukraine and those countries at the moment."
...Mr O'Leary predicted that the incumbent carriers in Scandinavia and Poland won't survive in their current form amid competition from domestic and foreign low-cost rivals....
EIBoston From Ireland, joined Sep 2006, 416 posts, RR: 0 Reply 65, posted (4 months 1 week 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 16956 times:
Speaking of the 109, I just saw that it is not daily from now until March. I guess with only 4 330's operating per day(5 on Thurs from Feb), it gives EI a chance to get extented maintenance on some of them. EI-DAA is just back a check and I think Ei-DUO is in now.
EIDAA From Ireland, joined Oct 2006, 821 posts, RR: 16 Reply 67, posted (4 months 1 week 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 16521 times:
Quoting EIBoston (Reply 65): EI-DAA is just back a check and I think Ei-DUO is in now.
Any news on the WIFI installation work due to take place this winter? I assume launch is still planned for March, but installations will take place during the winter base maintenance program.
EIBoston From Ireland, joined Sep 2006, 416 posts, RR: 0 Reply 68, posted (4 months 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 16423 times:
Quoting EIDAA (Reply 67): Any news on the WIFI installation work due to take place this winter? I assume launch is still planned for March, but installations will take place during the winter base maintenance program.
One would assume they will be done this winter. EI-EDY flew to France on Monday for a spell in the hanger.
2013 looks like another possitive yerar for Dublin with lots of extra capacity already announced:
Etihad - daily B777 replace A330 from 1 July
Turkish - 10 weekly IST up from 7 from 31 Marc
Iberia Express - 2 daily for July 13 up from 9 weekly and 10 weekly for August up from 8 weeklu
Delta - extra 3 weekly B763 flights from Mid June-Late August and larger B763 on daily rotation for the summer.
SAS - extra capacity to OSL and slight increase on CPH with A320 replacing MD-80
American - new daily JFK service from June
US Airways - B767 replace B757 on PHL from 1 May
Norwegion - New 2 weekly HEL service and extra flights to OSL
Air Canada - YYZ resumes a few weeks earlier in 2013
Aer Lingus - Growth on T/A routes
Aer Lingus Regional - new 3 daily BHX, EDI up to 5 daily (replace A320) + 2 extra based aircraft at DUB (one overnights in BHX)
Blue Air - OTP increases from 2 to 3 weekly for peak summer
Smartwings - New weekly PRG service from June
Air Moldova - Increase to 2 weekly and extend season resumes 30 April and uses E190 and via LGW and not FRA
Lufthansa - Increase MUC from 2 to 3 weekly from 1 May-2 October
Charter flights seem to have a slight increase for the summer to.
There could be one or two more things I leaving out but thats from top of my head. Also expect Emirates will add a second daily flight at some stage in 2013.
"Ryanair has been told by the European Commission that it must propose further concessions to rescue a bid for Aer Lingus, according to reports. European Commission officials met executives from Dublin-based Ryanair in Brussels two days ago to discuss anti-trust objections to the bid and outlined shortcomings in remedies proposed by the carrier in December, Bloomberg reported yesterday. Ryanair had until the end of the month to respond."
bx737 From Ireland, joined Sep 2001, 641 posts, RR: 4 Reply 71, posted (4 months 1 week 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 15470 times:
Irish Air Letter says that the A320s to be used for the Virgin deal are DEI, DEO and two former Meridiana A320s I-EEZF and I-EEZG and not the rumoured CVA-C. These are to be kept in the fleet.
My dear old Granny, Lord rest her, used to tell me how she and the family would drive down from Quin (a little village near Ennis) and see all the planes at Shannon. My grandfather, a garda sergeant, was involved in the rescue efforts for the KLM Connie that came down in the Fergus estuary, about ten years before. That was the accident where they only knew a plane had come down when a mud covered KLM pilot stagged into the control tower to tell them!
dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1350 posts, RR: 3 Reply 74, posted (4 months 1 week 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 14952 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 73): My dear old Granny, Lord rest her, used to tell me how she and the family would drive down from Quin (a little village near Ennis) and see all the planes at Shannon
Ah, Capitol
Nice photo of an age when the general public regarded aircraft as a subject of interest and not as a source of a noise complaint and airports actually welcomed spectators with viewing terraces.
Hard to believe but in the early days much of the ramp at Shannon was only defended by a moveable barrier, rather like those you find today dividing lanes at airport check in desks! The blast fences and security screens came later.
However, it appears to have bottomed out here - passenger numbers will actually grow this year for the first time since 2007, taking into account increased capacity by EI (earlier start dates for BOS, JFK, new FAO route), UA (new ORD route), US (return of PHL) and a 100% increase in Turkish charter traffic in the summer (all of this despite the removal of RE's second based AT7 during the summer)
There are also one or two exciting announcements to be made over the coming months...stay tuned
IRISH251 From Ireland, joined Nov 2004, 925 posts, RR: 4 Reply 76, posted (4 months 1 week 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 14677 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 73): My grandfather, a garda sergeant, was involved in the rescue efforts for the KLM Connie that came down in the Fergus estuary, about ten years before. That was the accident where they only knew a plane had come down when a mud covered KLM pilot stagged into the control tower to tell them!
Yes, I've read a good bit about it in the past; I think Capt. Viruly was a very well known KLM pilot at the time and indeed an author of a well known book. He was also KLM's chief pilot, a position he had held for 10 years, when the previous chief pilot - the famous Capt. Parmentier - had been killed in another Constellation crash near Prestwick.
I think KLM lost quite a number of Connies; there was another lost after takeoff from SNN, from which unfortunately there were no survivors. That was in 1958, with the loss of 99 people; the cause of that crash was never accurately established, due to the depth to which the wreckage sank.
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 78, posted (4 months 1 week 15 hours ago) and read 14482 times:
Quoting IRISH251 (Reply 76): Speaking of Shannon, 2012 passenger numbers dropped to a mid-1980s low of 1.39m in its fifth successive year of decline.
I was expecting that there would be a slight decline in passenger numbers at SNN this year but it is disappointing to hear it is still falling at a rate of 14% per year. On a more positive note, it is good to hear most of the decline is due to falling US troop numbers (a revenue stream that SNN was always going to have to learn to live without) rather than a further decline in local traffic. However, there are plenty of reasons to be reasonably optimistic for the forthcoming year.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2608 posts, RR: 0 Reply 80, posted (4 months 1 week 4 hours ago) and read 14077 times:
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 78): On a more positive note, it is good to hear most of the decline is due to falling US troop numbers (a revenue stream that SNN was always going to have to learn to live without)
Yes, military ops are not in the SNN business plan; nice to get the traffic but not something the airport authority is focused on growing as much as commercial and transit business. However in saying that, it is hoped military preclearance will be approved sometime this year.
Quoting Jambost (Reply 79): Am I correct to suspect this could be official news on the Canadian and Russian rumours? the next few months will crawl by!
No, not Canada or Russia...but let's just say one fairly big transit announcement, NOT Transaero (expected to be announced quite imminently actually) and one less significant, but still great, shorthaul route announcement
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4522 posts, RR: 25 Reply 81, posted (4 months 1 week 1 hour ago) and read 13871 times:
Well, today I noticed that the new pre-order menu items are available on the Aer Lingus web site.
I have a Seared Beef Salad and a Chicken Noodle Salad all booked for my DUB-CDG and CDG-DUB in two weeks time. Quite looking forward to giving them a taste!!
Meanwhile, I flew BA at the weekend - DUB-LHR-EDI-LHR-DUB. I have to say the BMI A320 seats are really hard on the bum conpared to the BA seats. I thought the "catering" was piss poor - a choice of a tiny bag of crisps, chocolate cookies or a fruit and nut mix and a drink. Considering I had it 4 times on 4 flights, it got a bit boring, and I tried it all. It's adequate.
The old EI GC lounge that is now the DAA T1 lounge was pretty basic. The Galleries South in T5 - amazing! I had 5 quarters of sandwiches (cucumber, sausage, chicken, and more) then noticed the hot foot! Amazing! Serve yourself so I had moroccan meatballs over cous cous and some wine. Delicious! Galleries lounge in Edinburgh small but well served... but the real revelation was the BA UK and Ireland lounge which is the former BMI UK and Ireland lounge. Really impressed with the design and the space and the low lighting. Lovely! I had two bowls of soup (and that was the last of the soup in the lounge) and some crisps and read the paper. Afterwards, boarding was from Gate 8A, and lo and behold the lounge has another exit directly at that gate.
The fast track at all ports was great, but as an Australian passport holder, I flummoxed the guys in T5 on the way out - he said I didn't need a landing card as I was in the common travel area and just stamped the passport. On the way back in T1, I was told that the Republic of Ireland wasn't part of the common travel area, and when I queried it, I was told that Belfast and Northern Ireland were but the Republic wasn't. Fail to the girl at Border Control in Terminal 1. Couldn't believe it at all really.
Fun times anyway
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
Jamie2k9 From Ireland, joined Jan 2012, 72 posts, RR: 0 Reply 82, posted (4 months 1 week 1 hour ago) and read 13861 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 80): No, not Canada or Russia...but let's just say one fairly big transit announcement, NOT Transaero (expected to be announced quite imminently actually) and one less significant, but still great, shorthaul route announcement
If its a T/A route then it has to be United DUB-SFO.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24894 posts, RR: 60 Reply 84, posted (4 months 1 week ago) and read 13799 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 81): I thought the "catering" was piss poor - a choice of a tiny bag of crisps, chocolate cookies
Indeed Im fed up with those Lily Obrien cookies too Still its better than what you used to get on BMI ! My recent flights have been in and out of BHD so UK Domestic and thus cookies no CE cabin or meals.
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 81): but the real revelation was the BA UK and Ireland lounge which is the former BMI UK and Ireland lounge. Really impressed with the design and the space and the low lighting. Lovely! I had two bowls of soup (and that was the last of the soup in the lounge) and some crisps and read the paper. Afterwards, boarding was from Gate 8A, and lo and behold the lounge has another exit directly at that gate.
Its a nice space to relax . Only issue is no plug sockets near the sofas only by the work stations. Also the catering other than the soup is dire. One thing I miss is the access to the Star lounge in T1 where there was a decent hot buffet. I guess you win some you loose some.
T5 F Class lounge with the lovely Champagne bar is a favourite of mine though. Cant beat a nice glass of Bollinger before a T5 departure. Not too long to wait for me thankfully
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 80): No, not Canada or Russia...but let's just say one fairly big transit announcement, NOT Transaero (expected to be announced quite imminently actually) and one less significant, but still great, shorthaul route announcement
Quoting kaitak (Reply 83): Also, AmericanShamrok refers to a transit announcement, so I think it's in relation to a new route through Shannon.
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 85): AmericanShamrok at least confirm which airport it will be from..
Clearly there is something quite fascinating in the pipeline and AmericanShamrock is doing a wonderful job of keeping us all in suspense by telling us 90% of the news but not not divulging the details.... Look forward to hearing what it is all about!
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4522 posts, RR: 25 Reply 87, posted (4 months 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 13462 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 84): Indeed Im fed up with those Lily Obrien cookies too Still its better than what you used to get on BMI ! My recent flights have been in and out of BHD so UK Domestic and thus cookies no CE cabin or meals.
Yeah, I know what you mean. To be honest, I actually prefer having a BOB option - hungry? Buy a breakfast. At least it's then real food. Still, the flights were very short so I really can't complain too much.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 84): Also the catering other than the soup is dire.
Agree with you there. It was crisps or crisps. The soup was lovely!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 84): T5 F Class lounge with the lovely Champagne bar is a favourite of mine though. Cant beat a nice glass of Bollinger before a T5 departure. Not too long to wait for me thankfully
I've not had the pleasure. You'll have to guest me in one day ... I do have a bottle of Bollinger in my cupboard from Christmas which I am saving though.
The loads on the BA flights were fairly light as well. I was having a bit of a ponder and I wondered if it would make sense for BA to codeshare with EI and basically pool all the flights together. That would free up a couple of A320s for EI to open other routes/increase frequency and fill the BA aircraft. I guess it might not be possible unless they removed Club Europe and made the Dublin flights a la UK domestic. It was a thought anyway!
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
Jambost From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 205 posts, RR: 0 Reply 88, posted (4 months 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 13221 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 80):
No, not Canada or Russia...but let's just say one fairly big transit announcement, NOT Transaero (expected to be announced quite imminently actually) and one less significant, but still great, shorthaul route announcement
Exciting times for SNN, congratulations to their Independence and I wish them the best success for the future to come.
Belfast could not have a worse possible start to the new year, tourist killing images from the city has dampened my hopes for new inbound tourist routes.
I wonder if UA have suffered declining load factors from Newark to Belfast, we need American tourists to keep the route viable.
Also I doubt EY / EK / QR would consider possibly launching a direct middle eastern route any time soon, despite relying on transfer traffic to Australia and beyond.
Good luck to both BFS & BHD , it will be a challenging year.
United Ireland Emirates, Founded:01APR13, Base BFS, Fleet 3 x 787-8 dest: DXB, JFK & YYZ, Partners AA , AC & EK
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24894 posts, RR: 60 Reply 89, posted (4 months 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 13224 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 87): Yeah, I know what you mean. To be honest, I actually prefer having a BOB option - hungry? Buy a breakfast. At least it's then real food. Still, the flights were very short so I really can't complain too much.
True . Thats why I like the new EI approach to BOB before departure. Id like an option on BA for that also . Basically you would still get your basics cookies etc.. but have the option to upgrade to a hot meal. I can see BA being against that though as if offered on the DUB route it would dillute their CE product. It could work for Domestics though.
Quoting Jambost (Reply 88): Belfast could not have a worse possible start to the new year, tourist killing images from the city has dampened my hopes for new inbound tourist routes.
True. Although I have flown into BHD last week and thought I may have some issues as you can never tell where it will flare up. The area around BHD is a prime location for such displays of ''culture''. Thankfully there were no issues at all and I got to Central in a taxi and then the Enterprise to Newry without issues. Some tourists being interviewed mentioned that their flight was empty coming over. Its hard to judge what effect it is having as its a quiet period now anyway. My flight last week was rather empty also. Hopefully the icy weather will calm things down. I hear those Pennys fleeces don't work that well in the cold.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11951 posts, RR: 37 Reply 90, posted (4 months 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 13084 times:
It's been reported on another forum that there was a significant movement in EI shares at about 10.45am this morning, of about 1.2m; some speculation that EY is increasing its shareholding.
Apparently the share price has also increased significantly.
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6100 posts, RR: 15 Reply 91, posted (4 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 12810 times:
The Aer Lingus share price is currently at €1.22 and has been climbing since the start of the year but more noticeably in the past few days. The Business Post reports the shares have risen as the Competition Commissioner has said Ryanair is about to submit new concessions, maybe some feel these may actually give Ryanair a chance of getting their bid through?
I've lost count how many time Ryanair has submitted new concessions.
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 81): I thought the "catering" was piss poor - a choice of a tiny bag of crisps, chocolate cookies or a fruit and nut mix and a drink.
I think BA catering has fallen behind in the past year or two for economy flights in Europe, it seems to be a very small snack like the options you mention and not much else. A couple of weeks ago I was on Lufthansa MUC-LHR and the crew spent most of the flight handing out sandwiches, regular drink refills and even blankets to anyone who wanted them! Once the initial service had finished the crew came around again with a second round of drinks and handing out the remaining sandwiches, that kind of performance left a lot of airlines in the shade.
Overall in Europe I think we're very lucky that low fare carriers have really upped their game with catering as well, it used to be one of the negatives but is now an added bonus for choosing them over the full service carriers, the menus are far more extensive and usually taste better with price not really being an issue. I'm pleased to see Aer Lingus as one of the leaders in this but they're not alone, Nicki, Norwegian and Air Berlin have got some great meal options too. I'd actually like to see Air Berlin in Ireland but it looks very unlikely with all their cutbacks.
Richcandy From France, joined Aug 2001, 696 posts, RR: 0 Reply 92, posted (4 months 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 12744 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 89): True. Although I have flown into BHD last week and thought I may have some issues as you can never tell where it will flare up. The area around BHD is a prime location for such displays of ''culture''. Thankfully there were no issues at all and I got to Central in a taxi and then the Enterprise to Newry without issues. Some tourists being interviewed mentioned that their flight was empty coming over. Its hard to judge what effect it is having as its a quiet period now anyway. My flight last week was rather empty also. Hopefully the icy weather will calm things down. I hear those Pennys fleeces don't work that well in the cold.
I went to Belfast near the start of December, the first weekend of the current ""displays of "culture"". The flights were busy as expected at that time of the year. On the news just before we left for the airport they were reporting the riots in Belfast. We thought about not going and just staying at home, However we did go and saw nothing, other than a few guys with a ladder trying to fix a union jack to every lamp-post on the Upper Newtownards road.
My point is it takes very little to scare tourists off, they see the images on the internet of TV news and they think all of NI is like that.
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 93, posted (4 months 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 12711 times:
Quoting Richcandy (Reply 92): My point is it takes very little to scare tourists off, they see the images on the internet of TV news and they think all of NI is like that.
That is unfortunately the problem and even though it is a silly reason for people to not go somewhere, it otfen does affect people's travel plans. Given that you'd always expect December flights leading up to Christmas to be very busy and January flights to be very quiet, one cannot gain an accurate picture what if any affect it will have. The Easter and summer bookings will give a more accurate picture.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1350 posts, RR: 3 Reply 94, posted (4 months 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 12590 times:
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 93): Given that you'd always expect December flights leading up to Christmas to be very busy and January flights to be very quiet
True.
This month is believed in the travel trade to be the time many people make their holiday decisions, so the film and headlines from Belfast may be exceptionally unhelpful to air carriers serving NI at this time. Dont know how much coverage the rather insular US channels have given, but the riots are getting very considerable coverage on European TV channels.
Of course the scope is isolated, as it always was in the bad times, but a considerable number of travellers are risk adverse. The horseburger story wont help either.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24894 posts, RR: 60 Reply 95, posted (4 months 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 12558 times:
Quoting dstc47 (Reply 94): This month is believed in the travel trade to be the time many people make their holiday decisions, so the film and headlines from Belfast may be exceptionally unhelpful to air carriers serving NI at this time. Dont know how much coverage the rather insular US channels have given, but the riots are getting very considerable coverage on European TV channels.
Indeed and quite busy so far apparently which is good to see. With regards to coverage abroad it is getting a lot on most major channels. Even my own Family were asking me about it yesterday and how far away I was from it. They also didn't understand why its happening. That's the thing tourists will see the video footage on TV and it will have an impact on some as they don't understand its only in limited areas etc.. Tourism NI always seem to have it back to normal for a while only to have their efforts ruined by a small minority. With regards outbound traffic I doubt we will see a noticeable effect. Even during the troubles NI folk and business travellers continued to travel.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
irishtexan From United States of America, joined Jul 2011, 22 posts, RR: 0 Reply 96, posted (4 months 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 12348 times:
Quoting dstc47 (Reply 94): Dont know how much coverage the rather insular US channels have given, but the riots are getting very considerable coverage on European TV channels.
Yet to see any coverage here. Syria, Mali, Hugo Chavez's health, Chinese smog and 787 issues in Japan - that's the majority of what the "media" see fit to report as news from outside the U.S., so unless there is an escalation the impact on travel should hopefully be minimal. More likely to see an impact from fare increases or a shift in the exchange rate.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24894 posts, RR: 60 Reply 97, posted (4 months 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 12334 times:
Businesses in Belfast are counting the cost of a wave of riots they fear could undermine a fledgling tourist boom and scare foreign investors away from a city desperate top shake off its reputation for violence.
A 75% drop in beds sold at the Europa is scary ! Based on that and other hotel occupancy rates it would be interesting to see the figures from the airlines for January when available.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11951 posts, RR: 37 Reply 98, posted (4 months 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 12310 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 97): Businesses in Belfast are counting the cost of a wave of riots they fear could undermine a fledgling tourist boom and scare foreign investors away from a city desperate top shake off its reputation for violence
And it's a downward spiral too; more violence, more jobs lost, more idle hands, more frustration and anger.
Surely there has to be a solution to this; all this rioting over a bloody flag!
Quoting dstc47 (Reply 94): The horseburger story wont help either.
Absolutely, there needs to be some clear answers and Tesco needs to answer the first one. Is there horsemeat in their burger, yea or ... neigh!
I thought in this day and age that all meat could be traced back to source; how the hell did a horse get into an abbatoir?
Anyway, back to aviation!
I'm surprised that there hasn't been any clarification of the large volume of shares traded; it seems very odd to me that such a high volume of shares can be traded without anyone knowing who the new holders are?
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1616 posts, RR: 2 Reply 99, posted (4 months 5 days ago) and read 12107 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 98): I'm surprised that there hasn't been any clarification of the large volume of shares traded; it seems very odd to me that such a high volume of shares can be traded without anyone knowing who the new holders are?
Indeed, could be an investment group hoping to sell on to FR or EY making a previously planned top up purchase.
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2608 posts, RR: 0 Reply 100, posted (4 months 5 days ago) and read 12107 times:
I note EI have adjusted the SNN-LHR timetable from April. The early morning rotation has been put back, leaving SNN at 08:45 and arriving back to base 12:30. EI380 currently leaves SNN at 07:30 and EI381 arrives back at 12:30.
This new timetable means no more LHR-SNN-BOS/JFK connections, leaving only MAN with that option now. RE won't be basing a second ATR 72 here this summer so that also removes BHX from the "mini-hub" EI had going!
Airbus A320-214 1983 I-EEZF MeridianaFly ferried 04-05jan13 VRN-MCT-XSP prior delivery to Aer Lingus for LHR based Virgin Atlantic ops ex F-WWDM
Airbus A320-214 2001 I-EEZG MeridianaFly ferried 04-05jan13 CTA-MCT-XSP prior delivery to Aer Lingus for LHR based Virgin Atlantic ops ex F-WWBB
So won't we see any AerLingus own equipment on these VS-routes? In other news, MerdianaFly just entered bankruptcy protection - what will happen if MerdianaFly will lose their (now only temporarily) AOC?
I'm not sure EI ever marketed SNN as a "mini-Hub". Obviously connections were possible and offered, not sure if people actually chose them over DUB departures. I don't recall how they priced compared to DUB. Obviously offering a jet product would tend to favour DUB, all things being equal.
I think these aircraft are currently stored/WFU or returned to lessors (GECAS according to airfleets). AFAIK the aircraft will be operated by EI crews, cabin in VS uniform, I imagine. It looks like 2 A319s from IB will "replace" two A320s as previously planned. instead of leaving the fleet these will now operate in VS livery. The ex Meridiana A320s will join two repainted EI birds at LHR, for a total of 4 320s in VS colours. The mainline EI fleet will remain static in terms of numbers, but be down a few seats as the A319s take the place of the A320s.
Next flights: MAN-ORK-LHR(EI)-MAN(BD); MAN-LHR(BD)-ORK (EI); DUB-ZRH-LAX (LX) LAX-YYZ (AC) YYZ-YHZ-LHR(AC)-DUB(BD)
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2608 posts, RR: 0 Reply 104, posted (4 months 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 11648 times:
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 102): I'm not sure EI ever marketed SNN as a "mini-Hub". Obviously connections were possible and offered, not sure if people actually chose them over DUB departures. I don't recall how they priced compared to DUB.
It was never marketed but it a nice share of passengers used to connect to the transatlantic flights and vice versa. Prices were generally the same as the DUB options but in one or two cases the general travel times were quicker vis SNN.
"BA said the changes, which have been made to meet increased customer demand for the route, will see the airline maintain its current winter schedule into the summer, which would bring an extra three flights per day during the summer season."
It seems reports of the BA demise on the route was premature.
I just checked random Thursdays in June (13 & 20) and there it is - 8 flights each way per day. First departure from Dublin 0750, first from Heathrow 0645.
I am flying LHR-DUB on 2 April and I've upgraded it to Club Europe on special offer, so why not! Looking forward to it. Now if some of the flights could be operated by BA aircraft instead of ex-BMI aircraft, I'd be happy. Still, 8 times per day through Summer - very nice!
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
al2637 From Ireland, joined Oct 2006, 405 posts, RR: 3 Reply 106, posted (4 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 11500 times:
Just did an AMS-DUB-AMS trip this week, a couple of observations:
- Both flights (Out on Monday, back on Thursday) were completely full
- KLM gate staff in AMS asked for anyone with large bags to check them for free. Many people did. Order of bags arriving in DUB was gate checked, connecting bags from other KL flights and finally AMS origin checked bags (i.e. the paid bags). A lot of unhappy OD travellers waiting for bags.
- DUB-AMS, got into the EI lounge with my flying blue card even tho it was not booked with the KL flight number. I actually think this is fair, as it is not possible to book DUB-AMS with a KL number. Seems there were many other FB numbers on the list she wrote my name. Haven't actually tried this in AMS as I was cutting it a bit fine on the way out.
- Large amount of Dutch OD business passengers on both flights. Although the EI flights feed KL, I think KL are leaving money on the table with the OD revenue. There must also be an opportunity for EI to offer some sort of business product. Moveable curtain with middle seat free and complimentary snack/drink perhaps. Would require integration with Skyteam or Star FFP tho.
- Boarding on EI seems to take FOREVER with everyone trying to find space for cabin baggage, blocking aisles etc.
Overall both flights were pretty uneventful (as every flight should be!), but nothing to write home about.
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6100 posts, RR: 15 Reply 107, posted (4 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 11472 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 105):
Meanwhile, no-one has mentioned that British Airways has increased the DUB-LHR route frequency for the summer.
Nice to see them committing to the 8 daily frequency, I guess it may have been a bit too much for winter and that's why they struggled to maintain it on some days but it'll be great for summer.
Interesting to see both BA and the DAA state it as an increase in frequency when it should have been 8 daily since October!
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4522 posts, RR: 25 Reply 108, posted (4 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 11448 times:
Quoting al2637 (Reply 106): - Boarding on EI seems to take FOREVER with everyone trying to find space for cabin baggage, blocking aisles etc
I take it they don't board by blocks outside of Ireland then?
To be perfectly honest, boarding is quicker in Ireland than in any other country I've seen. People get on, throw the bags up and get it sorted - and the announcements to stand in from the aisle make it even quicker. The USA is the worst - it takes them forever to board aircraft! Forever! Everyone with 2 large cabin bags... nightmare!
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 107):
Interesting to see both BA and the DAA state it as an increase in frequency when it should have been 8 daily since October!
Yeah Possibly because it was originally going to be reduced? Maybe DAA throw BA a bone financially?
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 110, posted (4 months 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 11194 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 109): With regards to the exciting SNN news I was talking about, can I divert your attention to this thread?
Interesting.... Would certainly provide some income for the airport as well as being a welcome change of scenery for spotting at SNN (which for this winter season consists of not very much). However, this sort of transit traffic is fleeting and won't do much for the long term prospects at the airport. That said, it will go towards partially satisfing the immediate requirement of bringing in some badly needed income as well as (presumably) putting the preclearance facility to good use and perhaps serve to reverse the decision to reduce the operating hours.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
"Europe's parliamentarians want to stop airlines such as Ryanair from stopping passengers bringing more than one piece of hand baggage on to flights...................MEPs say they want flying rules across the EU to be standardised, which could mean Ryanair being told to allow passengers with duty-free purchases along with hand luggage on board without any penalty......................He said yesterday that while he was aware that cabin baggage rules had to reflect different aircraft types, his concern is that "certain airlines look to charge for everything"............................Mr Simpson said the commission needed to "help alleviate the cancer that is add-on charges which bedevil European aviation and leave passengers often angry, confused and with the feeling of having been robbed"."
I can't see how they are going legislate this, effectively telling companies what T's & C's they are allowed to implement. I am not a fan of the FR rule (who is apart from FR mgmt?) but I don't think this should is the way the EU should operate. I'm a fan of people actually doing what they agree to when they made a contract with a service provider. And calling add-on charges a 'cancer' is a bit OTT.
Very interesting, cargo demand tied together with US pre-clearance and a comfort stop for PAX, KHI / LAH - JFK is 12-13 hours if I am not mistaken? Could expect a trial run to see if it improves the overall efficiency and positive feedback from passengers?
Fingers crossed for a long term operational agreement!
I have a couple of wild opinions for SNN,
1. Have EI thought to sell seasonal previously BFS but now BHD - BOS , JFK to sustain SNN - BHD -SNN route?
The demand for 3 destinations on a single regional sector and to feed SNN - USA
2. SNN has roughly the same commute time to Limerick as Belfast does with BFS. So why has Limerick city not been integrated into the airports name?
BFS : Previously Aldergrove revised to Belfast International.
SNN: Still Shannon. Could be updated to Shannon Limerick Airport or just Limerick International Airport. or even none how about Ireland South Airport..... actually no not that one first two sound much better!
I do not like the idea of ditching the name Shannon but Aldergrove was ditched for Belfast Int so maybe SNN could gain more from being recognised as Limerick over Shannon.
United Ireland Emirates, Founded:01APR13, Base BFS, Fleet 3 x 787-8 dest: DXB, JFK & YYZ, Partners AA , AC & EK
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 113, posted (4 months 3 days 11 hours ago) and read 11026 times:
Quoting Jambost (Reply 112): I do not like the idea of ditching the name Shannon but Aldergrove was ditched for Belfast Int so maybe SNN could gain more from being recognised as Limerick over Shannon.
You may find that you will come up against a bit of resistance on the Clare side if you attempted to re-name Shannon if you included the name Limerick in the airport name! I recally that the brief SNN-VNO service operated by FlyLAL was actually sold as Vilnus to Limerick on their website.
There have been several proposals to in the past to re-name it as DeValera International International Airport, Shannon or Shannon DeValera International Airport. It would be a nice tribute to one of only two political leaders (the other being Sean Lemass) who truly appreciated the potential that air travel offered to Ireland and who implemented aviation policies that were far ahead of their time. That said, the name Shannon has a certain historical significance and SNN's catchement is so vague and hard to define that I don't think it really matters what you call it. You have to find a way of selling it (particurarly to overseas customers) as serving the wider region and the name is therefore somewhat redundant as you are never going to come up with a single word the describes the region it serves.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2608 posts, RR: 0 Reply 114, posted (4 months 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 10960 times:
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 110): However, this sort of transit traffic is fleeting and won't do much for the long term prospects at the airport.
I disagree. The airport authority has identified transit traffic as one of their core markets and while a PK transit operation wouldn't have any impact on O&D passenger numbers (unless PK decides to sell KHI-LHE-SNN and SNN-JFK/SNN-ORD one way) it does bring, as you mention, increased revenue to the airport and I understand this is very high yielding revenue. It also obviously sustains and builds on jobs on the ground.
Quoting Jambost (Reply 112): 1. Have EI thought to sell seasonal previously BFS but now BHD - BOS , JFK to sustain SNN - BHD -SNN route?
The demand for 3 destinations on a single regional sector and to feed SNN - USA
Belfast is seen as a core UK market missing from the SNN route map (see The Route Shop) but I can't really see it working without maybe a tag-on to transatlantic flights. Maybe RE could run a daily SNN-BHD flight leaving SNN ~08:00 and arriving back ~10:30 to feed the transatlantic flights? This would probably require the basing of a second ATR at SNN though and I believe RE are fairly stretched at the minute in terms of fleet flexibility.
Quoting Jambost (Reply 112): 2. SNN has roughly the same commute time to Limerick as Belfast does with BFS. So why has Limerick city not been integrated into the airports name?
I think Limerick City Council tabled a motion to rename it "Limerick/Shannon International Airport" a few years back but it was met with fierce opposition on the Clare side, as Tony mentions!
As for Shannon it should stay that name IMHO. Its still a good brand .
As for PIA did SNN not learn from their experiences last time around ! people with long enough memories will understand what Im talking about
Decided to fly out to LHR yesterday afternoon and connect onwards last night. Seems I made the right choice. Two great BA flights and lovely crew. No hassles by BA in T5 to put me on a day earlier flight. Quick glass of Bollinger before priority boarding Thats travel as it should be . Well done BA
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1616 posts, RR: 2 Reply 116, posted (4 months 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 10931 times:
I think Shannon as an airport name has a resonance all on its own. Tourist know that Shannon is the gateway to the 'auld' Ireland.
Unfortunately for Limerick it it not a great tourist attraction. As for business ppl I think most of the multinational are located outside the city itself so again no benefit in renaming there.
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2608 posts, RR: 0 Reply 117, posted (4 months 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 10904 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 115): As for PIA did SNN not learn from their experiences last time around ! people with long enough memories will understand what Im talking about
What happened last time? I wasn't around or else I was too young!
On a related note, I've calculated the best day and time for spotting at SNN this summer (assuming the PK deal goes ahead as planned): 10:30-12:00 on a Tuesday. At this time you will have on stand (give or take 30 minutes):
- RE AT7
- TS 330
- UA 752
- DL 752
- BA 318
- EI 332
(- PK 77E)
- US 752
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 118, posted (4 months 3 days 9 hours ago) and read 10878 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 115): I think Limerick City Council tabled a motion to rename it "Limerick/Shannon International Airport" a few years back but it was met with fierce opposition on the Clare side, as Tony mentions!
No offence to Limerick, but I've never met anyone overseas who has told me thay'd love to go to Ireland to see Limerick (bar a few hardcore rugby fans during Heineken Cup season) whereas you'd frequently have people tell you they'd love to go to Ireland to see Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Donegal and so on. The West of Ireland does not lend itself well to a weekend away type destination like Dublin or even Cork does so renaming the airport to include the name of the city located closest to the airport will have little or no bearing on passenger numbers. Those who visit the West generally take in a few counties and therefore naming the airport after Ireland's longest river actually kinda suits in that regard.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
Jambost From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 205 posts, RR: 0 Reply 120, posted (4 months 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 10199 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 114): Maybe RE could run a daily SNN-BHD flight leaving SNN ~08:00 and arriving back ~10:30 to feed the transatlantic flights?
Completely agree they would heavily rely on transit PAX for the route to survive. Competing with UA however might make such a venture pointless to attempt. If fleet availability was not such an issue I would imagine they would re-instate BHD - ORK, EIR brand could really boost what they claimed back then was a viable route.
Shame, seems like an overreaction but Clare has home turf advantage.
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 116): Unfortunately for Limerick it it not a great tourist attraction. As for business ppl I think most of the multinational are located outside the city itself so again no benefit in renaming there.
I have heard negativity from Limerick but I have heard a lot worse from Belfast [not this recent spat]. Limerick would need to improve their tourist standards and equal their reputation to Cork and Galway before gaining their name on a major airport. They have a nice quote from Lonely Planet Guide:
"Limerick has an intriguing castle, a lively art museum and contemporary cafe culture to go with its uncompromised pubs, as well as locals who go out of their way to welcome you."
Sounds quite like Newry! but yes unfortunately not a lot to do
United Ireland Emirates, Founded:01APR13, Base BFS, Fleet 3 x 787-8 dest: DXB, JFK & YYZ, Partners AA , AC & EK
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 122, posted (4 months 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 10089 times:
Quoting BestWestern (Reply 121): "Limerick has an intriguing castle, a lively art museum and contemporary cafe culture to go with its uncompromised pubs, as well as locals who go out of their way to welcome you."
I think the Lonely Planet might be a small bit behind the curve on this one. Anyone who has been in Limerick City centre in the recent past will know exactly what I am talking about. You could probably count on your fingers the number of cafes left. Same goes for the pubs and all this is before your get into the menacing social problems that plague many parts of the city. Of Ireland's major cities, Limerick most definitely has been hit the hardest by the recession. Much of the improvements that the Celtic Tiger brought to the city have since become undone. The amount of empty shop units in the city centre has to be seen to be believed.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4039 posts, RR: 13 Reply 123, posted (4 months 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 9758 times:
Indeed Tony, it's unfortunately shocking how badly Limerick has been affected. It is a shadow of it's former self.
That said, there have been some substantial jobs announcements in the city of late. Like the rest of the country, things may just be on the way back up!
Amricanshamrok,
PIA lasted about a year at Shannon previously. Hopefully CBP pre-clearance will make this a longer lasting stint.
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, EK
aidansnn From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 22 posts, RR: 0 Reply 124, posted (4 months 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 9753 times:
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 122): Of Ireland's major cities, Limerick most definitely has been hit the hardest by the recession.
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 116): I think Shannon as an airport name has a resonance all on its own. Tourist know that Shannon is the gateway to the 'auld' Ireland.
I agree. The 'Shannon' brandname has a long established resonance amongst Americans due to historical stopover reasons- not so, in my opinion, with regard to other parts of the world outside of Europe. It must be acknowledged, however, that the success of rebranding to reflect the general geograhical location of an airport can prove effective, as we saw with Knock.
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 116): As for business ppl I think most of the multinational are located outside the city itself so again no benefit in renaming there.
If you are referring to the suburbs of the city, then yes this is true. Hardly unusual that large multinationals are located outside of the city-centre though, is it?!
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 122): You could probably count on your fingers the number of cafes left.
Tony, if I'm not mistaken, you are currently living on another continent and perhaps lack some perspective on this issue. Without getting completely off the topic of civil aviation, whilst Limerick certainly has its fair share of difficulties, "café culture" is thriving. For instance, a new, internationally recognised coffee shop opened just before Christmas in the centre and appears to be doing very well. I'm not aware of any significant closures in the last number of years.
That said, Limerick is not a tourist city in the same way that Galway and Cork are. I think Shannon would do well to focus on and promote its relatively central location between the cities of Galway and Limerick.
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 125, posted (4 months 15 hours ago) and read 9454 times:
Quoting aidansnn (Reply 124): I agree. The 'Shannon' brandname has a long established resonance amongst Americans due to historical stopover reasons- not so, in my opinion, with regard to other parts of the world outside of Europe. It must be acknowledged, however, that the success of rebranding to reflect the general geograhical location of an airport can prove effective, as we saw with Knock.
If anything, the name Shannon already already reflects the general geograhical location. It kind of gives the impression that it serves the entire region of the country along the River Shannon.
Quoting aidansnn (Reply 124): Tony, if I'm not mistaken, you are currently living on another continent and perhaps lack some perspective on this issue. Without getting completely off the topic of civil aviation, whilst Limerick certainly has its fair share of difficulties, "café culture" is thriving. For instance, a new, internationally recognised coffee shop opened just before Christmas in the centre and appears to be doing very well. I'm not aware of any significant closures in the last number of years.
In my defence, I only left Ireland 6 months ago and spent alot of time in Limerick right up until my departure so I am in some position to comment on the current state of Limerick City Centre. As of 6 months ago, every third shop unit on Cruises Street (once touted as a prime example of urban renewal in Ireland) and Lower O'Connell Street was empty, there was a raft of shop, cafe and restaurant closures in January 2012 and every Sunday, summer and winter, the city centre is a Ghost town where little or nothing is going on and many stores, cafes and restaurants are closed. One international coffee shop with its massive brand recognition opening and doing well for a few months does not indicate anything is thriving. You see McDonalds restaurants all over the world that are open and thriving when everything else has closed down around them but it is hardly an indicator of a thriving neighbourhood.
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see Limerick flourish the way Galway has and still is but until these harsh realities are faced up to then nothing is going to improve. I see Limerick as one of the grestest wasted opportunities in the country. It has everything going for it in terms of location, transport links, population and when you look past the empty buildings and social problems, architecturally, it is actually quite stunning. Dublin is often praised for its fine Georgian architecture but Limerick's Georgian buildings are as fine if not a finer than the best Dublin has to offer. As for the newer buildings in the city, they too are fantastic and I think Limerick Corporation planning department must be praised for the way they have managed to mix new with old. I have no doubt if you could get Limerick up to the same standard as Galway it would certainly give the tourism Industry of the whole region (and the obvious passenger number benefits for SNN) a real shot in the arm.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
aerdingus From Ireland, joined Dec 2006, 2485 posts, RR: 18 Reply 127, posted (3 months 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 8819 times:
Quoting eicvd (Reply 126): Looking forward to my return flights with them on Friday
3 BA A/C @ DUB this morning!
Also anyone see the Sun Country 738 this morning? Doesn´t look as if they´re doing their US - London run this year. Also saw a JL A300, & a dark grey 737 sized A/C. Anyone know? I presume the A300 is being converted to an A300F.
BA EI FH FR LX RE SK TS VY ZB 3K 5G A300 A310 A319 A320 A321 A333 ATR72 B735 B738 B744 B772 MD82 BCN BOH BRU CPH CRL DUB
aidansnn From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 22 posts, RR: 0 Reply 128, posted (3 months 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 8778 times:
I appreciate you comments, Tony. I think the main point you are referring to is directly related to the city centre. It must be acknowledged, however, that poor planning decisions made in the Limerick area have meant that much of the commercial and economic activity occurs on the outskirts of the city at the expense of the centre in a 'donut effect'. Although some of your points are indeed valid, and by the way I certainly wasn't referring to a Mcdonald's in my last post, your issue appears to be rooted in poor personal perceptions of the city centre.
What I'd like to point out is that, inclusive of its suburbs and hinterland, Limerick offers a large and economically vibrant population base for Shannon to keep ticking over.
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6100 posts, RR: 15 Reply 129, posted (3 months 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 8598 times:
Ryanair's latest remedy package for the take over bid involves selling off 40% of Aer Lingus short haul routes to FlyBe. I think FlyBe must have a death wish if this is true, it would do nothing for competition out of Ireland as Ryanair would crush them.
Aer Lingus board repeats opposition to Ryanair takeover bid
Quote: Aer Lingus Chief Executive Christoph Mueller has reiterated the Aer Lingus board's recommendation that shareholders reject the Ryanair bid for the former state airline.
In an update to staff, he outlined the history of Ryanair's third bid for the airline launched last summer.
It is currently the subject of a European Commission investigation into the potential competition implications.
Mr Mueller confirmed that the company has received a copy of the Ryanair proposals from the commission, which is now seeking feedback from Aer Lingus and other participants in the market as part of what is known as "market testing".
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary expects to get green light for Aer Lingus takeover
Quote: Michael O’Leary believes Ryanair will get the green light from the EU to mount a takeover for Aer Lingus.
The Ryanair chief executive said his firm was still in talks with the European Commission about its bid for Aer Lingus.
“We don't expect it to go to an appeal process because it will be very difficult for the commission to reject this package of remedies because they are so transformational and revolutionary," O'Leary said, referring to concessions that Ryanair has proposed in a bid to address competition concerns.
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1616 posts, RR: 2 Reply 130, posted (3 months 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 8553 times:
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 129): Ryanair's latest remedy package for the take over bid involves selling off 40% of Aer Lingus short haul routes to FlyBe.
So pretty much as expected.......gut the (currently profitable) shorthaul operation to get the access to the longhaul.
EIDL From Ireland, joined Apr 2012, 207 posts, RR: 0 Reply 131, posted (3 months 4 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 8494 times:
And FlyBe would get the cash to buy that 40% from where, exactly? A loss making regional carrier is going to have a hard time raising that kind of finance.
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4039 posts, RR: 13 Reply 132, posted (3 months 4 weeks 1 day ago) and read 8408 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 130): So pretty much as expected.......gut the (currently profitable) shorthaul operation to get the access to the longhaul.
Indeed. Funny how the cartoon images of the two airlines standing shoulder to shoulder, a unified "team Ireland" taking on Europe's big guns, have slowly faded into oblivion.
I am now more concerned that this WILL get the go ahead that at any time in the past.
However, FR still have two obstacles to overcome 1) Getting shareholder approval and 2) The UK competition commision, which has yet to issue it's own national findings.
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, EK
shamrock321 From Ireland, joined May 2008, 1547 posts, RR: 1 Reply 134, posted (3 months 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 8271 times:
Good to see BA maintaining frequencies on DUB! Shamrock604 if you think it's the most erratic scheduling you've seen, see if you can find the old bmi timetables! Somedays that was just ridiculous!
Captainmeeerkat From Russia, joined Aug 2010, 354 posts, RR: 1 Reply 135, posted (3 months 4 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 8266 times:
Quoting eicvd (Reply 126): I second that comment. I got a great first impression of BA
I've flown BA three times last year from LHR-DME and was disappointed each time, am I the exception as always?
I'm flying them from DUB-LHR-DME next month and I look forward to trying the short haul product from DUB. Interestingly, I booked flights through a Russian ticket site with Oneworld partner S7 for these flights, very cheap considering BA were charging three times as much to my final destination! Just shows that it pays to shop around.
Not a bad PR strategy considering one of the biggest objections thrown against any form of airport expansion anywhere is the old pollution card. I love the new mural in the background hanging from the terminal building.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1616 posts, RR: 2 Reply 138, posted (3 months 4 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 8205 times:
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 129): Ryanair's latest remedy package for the take over bid involves selling off 40% of Aer Lingus short haul routes to FlyBe. I think FlyBe must have a death wish if this is true, it would do nothing for competition out of Ireland as Ryanair would crush them.
Can't see what could possibly go wrong with that......
"Flybe Group Pl), Europe's largest regional airline, said it would cut about 300 jobs, or about 10 percent of its UK workforce, as it tries to turn around the struggling business.The job cuts would include a 20 percent reduction in management posts and about 10 percent of overhead and production roles, the British carrier said."
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 139, posted (3 months 4 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 8145 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 138): Can't see what could possibly go wrong with that......
Clearly a fool proof plan. Is it not time that the EU competition authority puts and end to this nonsense? How is stripping EI of some of its most valuable assetts and hiving off 40% of its routes going to be good for the long term future of the company? No matter what, letting FR take over EI is never going to improve competition in Ireland. Even if they do find some idiot at some other airline to take over a load of EI short haul routes, as you rightly point out, FR will just crush them.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1350 posts, RR: 3 Reply 140, posted (3 months 4 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 8108 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 137): Indeed that was typical of BMI back in the day. Their schedules were like roulette
Only matched by their tinkering with the product offered was the coming and going on routes by BMI. Try anything more than once was their motto, sadly the management probably had way too much time to innovate and not enough patience to stick anything out. Still they are an airline one would miss.
Conversly, FR are playing a very long game in their pursuit of the EI goodies.
Phen From Ireland, joined Oct 2007, 294 posts, RR: 0 Reply 141, posted (3 months 4 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 8021 times:
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 139): Is it not time that the EU competition authority puts and end to this nonsense?
I wholeheartedly agree. EI's shorthaul operation is currently sound, sustainable and doing a damn good job competing against FR as it is. Allowing MoL to cannibalise it would be a complete and utter travesty - there is NO valid reason to let this go ahead. I am getting concerned though at how hard FR seems to be fighting to get their way, I certainly hope Leo Varadkar will stick to his guns and point blank refuse to sell the government stake...
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1616 posts, RR: 2 Reply 142, posted (3 months 4 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 7994 times:
I read a phrase on another website that sums it up very well;
"How is competition kept healthy by allowing a highly successful large airline to takeover over a currently successful medium sized airline by selling half of its operation to an unsuccessful smaller airline?"
In my opinion this option will end up with both EI and Flybe failing badly.
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4522 posts, RR: 25 Reply 143, posted (3 months 4 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 7879 times:
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 139): Clearly a fool proof plan. Is it not time that the EU competition authority puts and end to this nonsense? How is stripping EI of some of its most valuable assetts and hiving off 40% of its routes going to be good for the long term future of the company? No matter what, letting FR take over EI is never going to improve competition in Ireland.
All of these remedies are just pure madness. If they get the green light for it, do you really think the shareholders are going to approve the sale to Ryanair? I would think not - unless Ryanair are planning to offer a massive premium over the current share price.
If the LHR slots were sold to BA, Ryanair would get back its purchase price instantly -
"At Heathrow, slot prices decrease throughout the day, with the typical price for an early morning daily slot averaging €18.6 million, falling by 30% by midday and 50% in the evening. The average cost of a single slot is €0.6 million. Whitlam said the cost of a daily slot could be covered by adding just €5 to the price of an airline ticket. "
There has to be something else at play here apart from the headline.
My guess is this - FlyBE will get 40% of the Aer Lingus routes, plus the A320s and crew to go with it, and operate the flights Aer Lingus branded but owned by FlyBE. You could see similar with LHR - with BA taking the slots and the aircraft, and operating it on behalf of Aer Lingus. Or it could be an outright sale of slots to BA and EI codeshare on BA but don't operate in their own right.
It's all a bit fishy. I would like to see the detail of it eventually when it has all been decided.
Still, the EU Competition people can decide what they like - if the shareholders don't sell, nothing will happen.
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11951 posts, RR: 37 Reply 144, posted (3 months 4 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 7871 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 142): I read a phrase on another website that sums it up very well;
"How is competition kept healthy by allowing a highly successful large airline to takeover over a currently successful medium sized airline by selling half of its operation to an unsuccessful smaller airline?"
In my opinion this option will end up with both EI and Flybe failing badly.
I agree, but I think the more fundamental issue is that all of FR's concessions seem to be based on an asset (i.e. Aer Lingus) that they do not yet own. Now, if you're a shareholder of a successful company (which EI now certainly is) and you see another party seeking to increase its holding with the promise of effectively destroying that company - by selling part of it to a failing regional carrier (job losses and review of all bases announced only today), what do you say? Something we're not allowed to say on a family website!
BE doesn't need FR's help, nor the addition of half (which half?!) of EI's short haul network to put it in serious trouble. Frankly, I don't think it'll be long before BE itself is a takeover target.
I don't agree that each new delay and concession makes approval more likely; it only seems to increase FR's desperation.
Basically, it's "we have had talks, but they are highly conditional".
It seems to me that the more concessions FR offers (i.e. offering part of someone else's company - very generous!), the less likely it is for the deal to happen, because what they are offering is anathema to every other shareholder.
Incidentally, the Indo reports today that FR is increasingly close to a significant order for 737s; apparently, it could be a few weeks away.
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6100 posts, RR: 15 Reply 148, posted (3 months 4 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 7688 times:
Minoan Air have put their Oxford-Dublin flights on sale, twice daily from 6th March with Fokker 50 aircraft. Best of luck to them, not sure how well this will do though.
Quoting kaitak (Reply 144): I don't agree that each new delay and concession makes approval more likely; it only seems to increase FR's desperation.
I think a lot of people are hoping you're right. I think this is the 3rd extension and what happens if these latest proposals are rejected, does Ryanair get yet another chance to come up with concessions? Seems to be really dragging on now, much more than the past two bids.
EIDL From Ireland, joined Apr 2012, 207 posts, RR: 0 Reply 149, posted (3 months 4 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 7635 times:
If there's actually services (car hire, effectively) in OXF I could see myself using it - but very occasionally. I worry that the demand is going to be fairly light in general
f1eddie From Ireland, joined May 2007, 461 posts, RR: 0 Reply 150, posted (3 months 4 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 7620 times:
Quoting EIDL (Reply 149): If there's actually services (car hire, effectively) in OXF I could see myself using it
Enterprise is here.
Its just a bit late for me. I'm in my final weeks here of completing my ATPLs.. Would have being perfect for me. However I don't see it lasting. OXF are not even advertising it on there website... They just don't seem that interested in the airline! I asked about them at the info desk months ago and the were not very confident about them.
They were also supposed to start in Jan. Time will tell I suppose! I think RE could have made it work, connecting onto the transatlantic flights!!!
Flown on EI, FR, BMI, TG, PG, FD, JQ, DJ, LA, NZ, SQ, DL, LX, LH
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4039 posts, RR: 13 Reply 151, posted (3 months 3 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 7406 times:
According to another thread, PIA are now confirmed for SNN with a thrice weekly service en-route to JFK. It's not much, and does little for the surrounding region, but it certainly gives some much needed revenue to the airport, and will help boost what should be solid growth there this year.
Cork also released it's December traffic - 5% Growth, the same as that enjoyed at Dublin. It certainly confirms that we are back in a growth momentum, and not before bloody time either.
Given aviation is generally one of the first industries to feel the effects of economic upturn, one hopes this trend spreads across the economy before long!
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, EK
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 152, posted (3 months 3 weeks 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 7235 times:
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 151): According to another thread, PIA are now confirmed for SNN with a thrice weekly service en-route to JFK. It's not much, and does little for the surrounding region, but it certainly gives some much needed revenue to the airport, and will help boost what should be solid growth there this year.
I just checked out the other thread. As anticipated, it is a transit stop only so no O&D traffic. It is a small but positive step in the right direction and will certainly spice up the spotting opportunities at SNN.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
Also, I can confirm that SNN is still in talks with UN about a possible MOW-SNN-MIA route. If it went ahead UN would stop at SNN both directions (not just to preclear on the outbound) and would sell local SNN-MIA and vice versa. However, I'm not aware how the Ireland/Russia flight bilaterals are going so I don't know if UN would be permitted to sell SNN-MOW if they did launch.
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6100 posts, RR: 15 Reply 154, posted (3 months 3 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 6805 times:
Ryanair claims Aer Lingus is "going nowhere" on the same day Etihad invite them to join their 'centre of excellence' initiative.
Ryanair not interested in monopoly, says Millar
Quote: Ryanair’s joint deputy chief executive Howard Millar predicted yesterday that Aer Lingus would have a “bright future” under its ownership and said it is not interested in monopolising Ireland’s air traffic.
Speaking at the Global Airfinance Conference in Dublin yesterday, Mr Millar said Aer Lingus has “largely stagnated and is going nowhere” as an independent airline.
“We have a bright future for Aer Lingus. If you don’t move forward in this industry you are moving backwards.”
Mr Millar said Ryanair had “no interest in monopolies”.
Etihad boss Hogan 'eager to increase ties with Aer Lingus'
Quote: Irish carrier is invited to join its 'centre of excellence' initiative
Etihad boss James Hogan has insisted Aer Lingus has a future and wants to increase ties with the Irish carrier, he told the Irish Independent.
Mr Hogan said that Etihad, which owns close to 3pc of Aer Lingus, is keen to see the Irish carrier join the Gulf carrier's centre of excellence programme, where its partners can save money on everything from aircraft purchases to training and technology. The two airlines already operate a codeshare agreement.
But Mr Hogan declined to comment directly on Ryanair's latest effort to acquire Aer Lingus.
Quote: About 4,000 passengers have used the code-sharing agreement between Etihad Airways and Aer Lingus in the first four months of its operation, according to figures supplied by the UAE carrier to The Irish Times.
On the fringes of the Global Airfinance Conference in Dublin, Etihad’s chief executive James Hogan said yesterday the arrangement was a “good partnership” for the airline.
“We’d like to tag more cities on, especially Australian cities,” he added.
jrfspa320 From Australia, joined Sep 2005, 196 posts, RR: 0 Reply 155, posted (3 months 3 weeks 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 6717 times:
Any news on the EIR ATR supposed to be arriving this year? Just gone quiet thats all!
Do we know if its going to be a 1 for 1 replacement or additional services? I think routes EIR could complete with flybe UK routes from belfast...ATRs much cheaper to operate.....
I do think DUB-LCY could work....cheaper than cityjet but also targeting T/A traffic from LCY..quick transit in DUB...preclearance. Could offer C fares cheaper than BA to JFK/BOS/ORD
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 156, posted (3 months 3 weeks 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 6697 times:
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 154): Also, I can confirm that SNN is still in talks with UN about a possible MOW-SNN-MIA route. If it went ahead UN would stop at SNN both directions (not just to preclear on the outbound) and would sell local SNN-MIA and vice versa. However, I'm not aware how the Ireland/Russia flight bilaterals are going so I don't know if UN would be permitted to sell SNN-MOW if they did launch.
Would certainly be cool to see not one but two new destinations on offer from SNN if this goes ahead. If anything, one would imagine that it would be easier to get approval for SNN-MOW than for SNN-MIA considering it is a Russian airline flying between Ireland and Russia. The fact that the plane travels from/onwards to MIA seems irrelevant whereas SNN-MIA would be a Russian airline flying from Ireland to the USA. SNN did one have multiple dailys to Russia in the past (albeit while Russia was still part of the USSR at the time). It would be a nice if somewhat smaller return to the SNN glory days when SU were in full swing.
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 154): Ryanair claims Aer Lingus is "going nowhere" on the same day Etihad invite them to join their 'centre of excellence' initiative.
Based on the past record of both EY and FR (and EI's most recent results announcement), I am more inclined to believe EY on this one.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
They operated SNN-MIA on a SU A310 in the past but it depends on the rules and if UN can operate it rather than SU and if that agreement is still in place. A charter company once tried to operate Ireland-Cuba and fell foul of the rules hence it did not operate and they had to cancel all the bookings.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
I dont think a few transit flights are going to help SNNs finances much, this makes barely a dent in the throughput that has evaporated as US operations in the middle east have wound down. You can be sure PK are paying SNN next to nothing for the use of the facilities. The airport retailers might be happey though, 2 hour transit is fairly generous so airport soend should increase, which can only be good for retialers and maybe for the SAA as well. I don't know if SNN rents are related to revenue, but if they are that could be a boost for SNN's coffers.
I don't see how this FR plan helps EI to stop "going nowhere". How is stripping EI of half (?which) of the shrot haul network and the "golden goose" at LHR going to help EI in any way? How will it help connectivity into Ireland? How will it help aviation in this country to flourish? The original vision, as presented by FR was that there would be one strong Irish aviation group, but 47 routes are to be sold to BE (not irish) and 4 routes to BA (also not Irish), it would also seem likely that RE would be negitively impacted. Not to mention the fact that BE seem to know very little about their new Irish operations - the "negotations" for which seem to have been little more than a letter, or a pint down the local.
EI is one of the few profiatble short-haul carriers in Europe, shown they are more than able to compete with FR - and indeed show them a thing or two. Where EI has failed is expanding successsfully outside of Ireland (and argubly outside of the 26 counties). FR hates being shown up "at home" and they are not going to spread the EI brand byond Ireland, indeed they seem to want to kill it. How the FR bid for EI helps any of the stakeholders, in any way, is byond me.
Next flights: MAN-ORK-LHR(EI)-MAN(BD); MAN-LHR(BD)-ORK (EI); DUB-ZRH-LAX (LX) LAX-YYZ (AC) YYZ-YHZ-LHR(AC)-DUB(BD)
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 159, posted (3 months 3 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 6484 times:
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 158): dont think a few transit flights are going to help SNNs finances much, this makes barely a dent in the throughput that has evaporated as US operations in the middle east have wound down.
There is no question that these sort of transit stops are at best a medium term solution. However, if they keep airport staff busy for a few hours where they would otherwise be sitting idle then while bringing in a small bit of revenue in the process then they will partially solve the immediate problem which is to stop loosing money. Turning a profit is a whole other challenge and will take many years before it happens (if ever).
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
nightfox365 From Ireland, joined Jul 2011, 28 posts, RR: 0 Reply 160, posted (3 months 3 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 6220 times:
Ryanair's claim that Aer Lingus is going no where, is just blatant lies. They are just trying to turn other stakes holders in their favour. It is a dirty trick, but it does not stand up to scrutiny.
al2637 From Ireland, joined Oct 2006, 405 posts, RR: 3 Reply 162, posted (3 months 3 weeks 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 6041 times:
Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 158): I don't see how this FR plan helps EI to stop "going nowhere". How is stripping EI of half (?which) of the shrot haul network and the "golden goose" at LHR going to help EI in any way? How will it help connectivity into Ireland? How will it help aviation in this country to flourish?
Brian, I 100% agree with what you are saying, and I think it would be a national disaster for FR to take over EI..... BUT... Ryanair are playing a technical legal game. They just need to convince the EC that there will still be competition in Ireland. It's not about being 'good' for EI, and it's not about EI wanting it, ultimately the people who own Aer Lingus will decide what will make them most money (and as a shareholder of EI, I would say an FR takeover at the right price may make sense... i wouldn't tho )
I think ultimately the EC may allow it, the UK will allow it, so we will be dependant on the Leo Varadkar and James Hogan to stand in the way.
(btw, doesn't the Irish competition authority have a say too? Even if it all went ahead and FR ended up with 80% access to Ireland, could they insist they divest routes after the fact?)
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 163, posted (3 months 3 weeks 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 6021 times:
Quoting al2637 (Reply 162): I think ultimately the EC may allow it, the UK will allow it, so we will be dependant on the Leo Varadkar and James Hogan to stand in the way.
I wonder would the EC take into consideration the potential for future competition? Picture the scenario whereby if FR did gey a weak regional carrier like FlyBe to take over 40% of EI's short haul routes, we all know that as soon as this is implemented, the first thing FR will immediately start work on crushing FlyBe. The conditions of the EC ruling may well prevent FR competing them head on in the Irish market but what is to stop FR cutting the legs out from under them by opening up parallel routes in the UK and European markets? In that scenario, FlyBe would be up against it even if the Irish (former EI) operations are doing well, specially if they are not in a particurarly strong position as it is. There is a reason why FR are not negotiating with a strong airline like Easyjet take over these routes because they would have the resources to meet FR head on. This to me would be the most convincing reason not to allow this but I am not so sure that the EC would even be allowed to consider such future scenarios.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 164, posted (3 months 3 weeks 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 5940 times:
Just browsing through YouTube and I came across this video clip and in the spirit of The Gathering which is under way I thought it was worth while posting. It contains some nice footage of renunions at SNN from just before Christmas
IRISH251 From Ireland, joined Nov 2004, 925 posts, RR: 4 Reply 166, posted (3 months 3 weeks 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 5806 times:
Quoting shamrocka330 (Reply 165): Just saw EI-DUO land at DUB this morning and it has 2 long, ugly orange marks running from the wing up to the tail on the right side of the aircraft.
It looks like oil, has anyone else noticed this or knows what it is?
BestWestern From Ireland, joined Sep 2000, 6431 posts, RR: 58 Reply 167, posted (3 months 3 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 5782 times:
I understand that as a test dye is being placed Into some deicing fluid to show the lance operators what was deiced and what is not in an effort to reduce the amount of fluid used for economic and environmental reasons.
cipango From Hong Kong, joined Jul 2009, 285 posts, RR: 0 Reply 168, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 5143 times:
"Declan Kearney of Aer Lingus confirmed that no new North American destinations would be added in 2013, and that San Francisco and Toronto headed the airline’s North American wish list"
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11951 posts, RR: 37 Reply 171, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 5047 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 169): Could be a sign that SFO and YVR are on the cards for 2014/2015?
Maybe they're waiting for the A350 to arrive before expanding.
I wonder about this; I was thinking that this might be their intention, but the first EI A350 is now due until the second half of 2015 and allowing for delays, we probably won't see it in service with EI until Summer '16. I don't think it makes a lot of sense to give such a long lead in time to a new route. I would suggest that if they can't do anything in 2013, they're more likely to be looking at 2014. Of course, the problem then will be capacity; could they obtain 330s on a short term (i.e. 2-3 year) lease? If they want to operate any decent frequency to SFO, i.e. more than 3 weekly, they would need to be thinking about more than two aircraft.
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4039 posts, RR: 13 Reply 172, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 4926 times:
Rumour has it that EI may take a couple of A330's off Etihad's hands, and rumour also has it that a team has already visited AUH for technical examinations..
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, EK
MasseyBrown From United States of America, joined Dec 2002, 4724 posts, RR: 7 Reply 173, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 4914 times:
Need advice: I live in Washington. My wife and I are invited to a wedding in Cork in August and would like to attend. Is it better to fly to ORK via LHR or some other European hub or to fly to DUB and take a train or bus to Cork?
I'm interested in minimum hassle even if it costs a little more or takes more time. Clearing customs on the way home in DUB is a big plus in favor of DUB.
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4522 posts, RR: 25 Reply 174, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 4903 times:
Quoting MasseyBrown (Reply 173): Need advice: I live in Washington. My wife and I are invited to a wedding in Cork in August and would like to attend. Is it better to fly to ORK via LHR or some other European hub or to fly to DUB and take a train or bus to Cork?
Dublin airport to Cork = 30-40 minute bus to Heuston Station in Dublin from the airport, then a 2.5 hour train to Cork. That is the most efficient way to get there by flying into Dublin.
You could possibly always fly to London and connect to Cork, then come back from Dublin perhaps?
Shannon is also closer to Cork than Dublin, so you should look into that - they also have pre-clearance.
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6100 posts, RR: 15 Reply 176, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 4740 times:
Quoting cipango (Reply 168): Could be a sign that SFO and YVR are on the cards for 2014/2015?
First time in a while that Aer Lingus has actually mentioned specific routes, they have until now completely ruled out west coast so this is good news.
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 172):
Rumour has it that EI may take a couple of A330's off Etihad's hands, and rumour also has it that a team has already visited AUH for technical examinations..
Might make sense if they join Etihads 'centre of excellence' party. Unfortunately I think all of this is on hold, new routes/partnerships, until the Ryanair bid is done with. If ever anyone needed evidence that Ryanair repeated bids were disrupting Aer Lingus business, this is it.
MasseyBrown From United States of America, joined Dec 2002, 4724 posts, RR: 7 Reply 177, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 4728 times:
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1616 posts, RR: 2 Reply 179, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 4618 times:
Isn't this line og logic the reasoning behind the UK OFT inquiry?
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 176): Might make sense if they join Etihads 'centre of excellence' party. Unfortunately I think all of this is on hold, new routes/partnerships, until the Ryanair bid is done with. If ever anyone needed evidence that Ryanair repeated bids were disrupting Aer Lingus business, this is it.
tailfin From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 180, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days ago) and read 4558 times:
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 176): Quoting cipango (Reply 168):
Could be a sign that SFO and YVR are on the cards for 2014/2015?
First time in a while that Aer Lingus has actually mentioned specific routes, they have until now completely ruled out west coast so this is good news.
I don't think YVR will be on their list any time soon. At least not until SFO and YYZ, the two destinations mentioned are established. By then we'll have to see if EI has gotten into any closer relationship with one of the US majors with a hub where they don't yet fly.
clydenairways From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 998 posts, RR: 0 Reply 181, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days ago) and read 4552 times:
Quoting MasseyBrown (Reply 173): Need advice: I live in Washington. My wife and I are invited to a wedding in Cork in August and would like to attend. Is it better to fly to ORK via LHR or some other European hub or to fly to DUB and take a train or bus to Cork?
I'm interested in minimum hassle even if it costs a little more or takes more time. Clearing customs on the way home in DUB is a big plus in favor of DUB.
+1 for the Express bus, it's quicker than the train now and much cheaper too. There are two companies competing on this route and offer a frequent non-stop service from Dublin to Cork.
There is a new motorway between the two cities so it's now a very comfortable journey.
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 182, posted (3 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 4378 times:
Quoting MasseyBrown (Reply 173): Need advice: I live in Washington. My wife and I are invited to a wedding in Cork in August and would like to attend. Is it better to fly to ORK via LHR or some other European hub or to fly to DUB and take a train or bus to Cork?
Easiest way is to fly with UA IAD-DUB and get one of the express bus services. You could also do IAD-SNN via EWR with UA as it too has preclearance but despite being closer, there is no convenient bus connections between Shannon and Cork. It will involve a bus journey on the semi-state Bus Eireann bus to Limerick followed by a change in Limerick followed by a (painful) bus trip to Cork. The road from Limerick top Cork is attrocious and Bus Eireann are renowned for stopping at every single town, village, crossroad and even random people's houses en route so it will take a long time. There is also an indirect train route from Limerick to Cork which involves getting the bus from Shannon to Limerick Bus ans Train Station followed by a change at Limerick Junction (actually in Tipperary). Long story short, if time and convenience are of the essense, fly UA to DUB and get the express bus.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
BrianDromey From Ireland, joined Dec 2006, 3807 posts, RR: 10 Reply 183, posted (3 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 4351 times:
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 182): there is no convenient bus connections between Shannon and Cork. It will involve a bus journey on the semi-state Bus Eireann bus to Limerick followed by a change in Limerick followed by a (painful) bus trip to Cork.
I would fly IAD-LHR-ORK, IAD-AMS-ORK or IAD-DUB and get the bus/hire a car and drive to Cork. The journey is motorway all the way and takes roughly two and a half hours. The journey from SNN to Cork is horrible, it s a single lane road almost all the way and it is all too easy to get stuck behind a tractor or other slow-moving vehicle. If you are interested in minimum hassle then I would avoid SNN, the drive is a nightmare.
It all boils down to wither you are hiring a car or not, if not then directly into Cork is your best bet, if you are hiring a car its as easy to fly into DUB. Also, it depends where this wedding is?
Next flights: MAN-ORK-LHR(EI)-MAN(BD); MAN-LHR(BD)-ORK (EI); DUB-ZRH-LAX (LX) LAX-YYZ (AC) YYZ-YHZ-LHR(AC)-DUB(BD)
dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1350 posts, RR: 3 Reply 184, posted (3 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 4292 times:
Suprised no one has commented on the FR financial results yet, really strong profit growth. The UA service from IAD also arrives after the morning car traffic rush, so should make a road trip to Cork better than Heathrow in the morning rush.
Also according to the Irish Independent today, the Government has set up a four-month consultation process to look at ways of developing Knock airport. Enda Kenny and a delegation of ministers met airport bosses and agreed to set up a team incorporating business leaders.
The management team believe €75m will be needed over a four to five-year period to develop the airport.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24894 posts, RR: 60 Reply 185, posted (3 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 4291 times:
Quoting dstc47 (Reply 184): Also according to the Irish Independent today, the Government has set up a four-month consultation process to look at ways of developing Knock airport. Enda Kenny and a delegation of ministers met airport bosses and agreed to set up a team incorporating business leaders.
The management team believe €75m will be needed over a four to five-year period to develop the airport.
Certainly if there was a case for funding and development of a regional airport Knock is a suitable and deserving candidate.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
"An 8 per cent rise in average fares lifted the carrier’s pretax profit to €18.1 million for the three months to December 31st, up 21 per cent on the same period last year.
The airline also raised its profit forecast to €540 million after tax for the year to March, which would represent a 7 per cent increase on last year."
Pe@rson From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 18829 posts, RR: 54 Reply 187, posted (3 months 3 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 4240 times:
Quoting dstc47 (Reply 184): Suprised no one has commented on the FR financial results yet, really strong profit growth.
I'm not: this is, after all, the Aer Lingus page.
Interestingly, Michael Crawley said, and quoted in today's The Times (in the UK), that "reserved seating has been spectacularly successful - well ahead of our expectations." Unsurprisingly, this was particularly the case on longer sectors, such as to the Canaries.
"Everyone writing for the Telegraph knows that the way to grab eyeballs is with Ryanair and/or sex."
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1874 posts, RR: 10 Reply 188, posted (3 months 3 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 4221 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 185): Certainly if there was a case for funding and development of a regional airport Knock is a suitable and deserving candidate.
NOC certainly has proved itself as worthy of such support from the governemt and with GWY and SXL out of picture it seems only logical to pour some of the resources that were previously wasted on these airports into developing NOC.
Quoting Pe@rson (Reply 187): I'm not: this is, after all, the Aer Lingus page.
I'm sorry. We didn't hear FR's results announcement. It got drowned out with all the nonsensical noise FR are making about how they plan to take over Aer Lingus
[Edited 2013-01-29 02:32:02]
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
There has not been that much news coverage to be honest unless you happened to look for it or caught it on Sky News which gave it a brief 15 seconds when I heard it. At least here in Ireland the media has been focused on a tragic incident around the border counties and that has been the main topic of conversation.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6100 posts, RR: 15 Reply 190, posted (3 months 3 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 3444 times:
Aer Lingus launches pre-order meal options for transatlantic travellers
Quote: Aer Lingus has today launched its new premium three-course meal service, Sky Dine, for pre-order by customers travelling in economy class on transatlantic flights between Dublin and Shannon and the US.
The first meals will be delivered on board on 14 February.
The airline said that following the successful launch of the Sky Deli pre-order meal service on flights to UK and Europe, the pre-order meal service has been extended to transatlantic flights.
Priced at €17.50, each three-course meal will be served with a glass of red or white wine.
The meal looks very nice in those promotional photos, at €17.50 I wonder what the uptake is like?
Aer Lingus Begins UNITED Trans-Atlantic Codeshare Service from late-Jan 2013
Aer Lingus have started code sharing on the new United service, IAD-DUB and SNN-ORD. I wondered when this would happen, seemed strange for them not to if they were such good partners!
EIRules From Ireland, joined Aug 2007, 641 posts, RR: 10 Reply 192, posted (3 months 3 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 3273 times:
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 190): Aer Lingus Begins UNITED Trans-Atlantic Codeshare Service from late-Jan 2013
Aer Lingus have started code sharing on the new United service, IAD-DUB and SNN-ORD. I wondered when this would happen, seemed strange for them not to if they were such good partners!
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2608 posts, RR: 0 Reply 193, posted (3 months 3 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 3262 times:
Quoting EIRules (Reply 192): Have UA dropped their codes on the EI DUB-LHR flights? They are still bookable as connections on the UA website but with no UA code anymore
I notice as well over the past few days that UA codes are now appearing on SNN-LHR flights. Previously they only codeshared on DUB-LHR, ORK-LHR and BHD-LHR...
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4039 posts, RR: 13 Reply 194, posted (3 months 3 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 3154 times:
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 190): Aer Lingus Begins UNITED Trans-Atlantic Codeshare Service from late-Jan 2013
Aer Lingus have started code sharing on the new United service, IAD-DUB and SNN-ORD. I wondered when this would happen, seemed strange for them not to if they were such good partners!
They do not appear to be selling it though. If you try to book DUB-IAD for example on EI.com, you'll still be sent via New York or Boston!
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, EK
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4522 posts, RR: 25 Reply 195, posted (3 months 3 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 3148 times:
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 190): The meal looks very nice in those promotional photos, at €17.50 I wonder what the uptake is like?
The unfortunate part of it is that the "Sky Dine" meals in Economy look a whole hell of a lot nicer than what they have put down for the Business Class meal.
*shakes head slowly*
I'm flying to Paris on Friday (returning Sunday) and I've pre-ordered one of the new short-haul meals each way. I'll let you all know my thoughts when I get back. I'm also curious to see what the take up is like!
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24894 posts, RR: 60 Reply 197, posted (3 months 3 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 3136 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 195): I'm flying to Paris on Friday (returning Sunday) and I've pre-ordered one of the new short-haul meals each way. I'll let you all know my thoughts when I get back. I'm also curious to see what the take up is like!
Do let us know and maybe take a few pics. It will be interesting to hear back and some real pics of the TATL meals.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6100 posts, RR: 15 Reply 201, posted (3 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 2866 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 195): The unfortunate part of it is that the "Sky Dine" meals in Economy look a whole hell of a lot nicer than what they have put down for the Business Class meal.
I wouldn't say they look that much nicer, they certainly look bigger but that's because it's all on one tray whereas the Business Class meal is just the main on show to represent the individuality of each course. I understand them not displaying each starter, main and desert online as it must change far more frequently so maybe an idea would be to upload the menu for each month/season like they do with Cara?
Either way i think they're doing an excellent job in showing their product at long last. Clearly some care is going into genuinely improving the service. Lets hope it's not a wasted effort.
Great news. Interesting to see FlyBe further expanding their Irish operations, hope they advertise it properly.
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 194): They do not appear to be selling it though. If you try to book DUB-IAD for example on EI.com, you'll still be sent via New York or Boston!
I was trying to look for them as well but it's all with B6, seems odd but maybe they'll show up.
Fantastic news to see a new destination and indeed a new airline starting services from SNN. GLA is an obvious destination that is missing from the SNN route network. Will FR consider relaunching PIK with this announcement?
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
shamrock321 From Ireland, joined May 2008, 1547 posts, RR: 1 Reply 204, posted (3 months 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 2650 times:
Morning all! Has anyone noticed the significant amount of advertising BA is doing online for DUB? Advertising it along with MAN.
With the schedule stabilised at 8 daily flights for the summer, Im very happy that they are giving DUB a good chance! I think myself along with a lot of other thought it might get dumped when they wanted the slots for other things!
Declan Power seems to be saying all the right things regards not only growing the route network but als growing the number of airlines who operate them.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4522 posts, RR: 25 Reply 208, posted (3 months 2 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 2327 times:
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 201): I wouldn't say they look that much nicer, they certainly look bigger but that's because it's all on one tray whereas the Business Class meal is just the main on show to represent the individuality of each course. I understand them not displaying each starter, main and desert online as it must change far more frequently so maybe an idea would be to upload the menu for each month/season like they do with Cara?
For me, the presentation of the new long haul meals for purchase looks very contemporary. I think the representative Business Class meal picture could be presented better. I mean, they could include a picture of the canapes, and the waterford crystal for a start. Switch the wine for bubbles. You know, little touches to show off the quality of the food in that class. The picture just looks very generic to me.
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 201): Either way i think they're doing an excellent job in showing their product at long last. Clearly some care is going into genuinely improving the service. Lets hope it's not a wasted effort.
I think it's a brilliant idea - I also think it's very well priced. €7.50 and €17.50 is very good. Well, I'll see tomorrow when I try my first €7.50 spend, but they do look good.
Quoting shamrock321 (Reply 204): Morning all! Has anyone noticed the significant amount of advertising BA is doing online for DUB? Advertising it along with MAN.
Are BA putting effort into DUB because it was actually one of the routes BMI made money on, do you think? I'd love to know how much oneworld traffic will switch to BA from EI... not to mention all the oneworld flyers who exist in Ireland still. I really hope it all works!
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24894 posts, RR: 60 Reply 209, posted (3 months 2 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 2312 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 208): Are BA putting effort into DUB because it was actually one of the routes BMI made money on, do you think? I'd love to know how much oneworld traffic will switch to BA from EI... not to mention all the oneworld flyers who exist in Ireland still. I really hope it all works!
I really think we need to wait 12 months and reflect back. A lot of people including in the trade are not convinced
but lets hope it all works out. Its a very fickle environment and even hard core OW FF are cautious to get too comfy with having BA around long term at both DUB and BHD!
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2608 posts, RR: 0 Reply 210, posted (3 months 2 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 2244 times:
More news on the MOW-SNN-MIA front:
Quoting Clare Herald: Transaero is also awaiting a decision on an application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US for 'fifth freedom rights'.
Ireland already has a Bilateral Air Transport Agreement with Russia allowing Transaero which would allow the airline operate between Shannon and Miami.
Would be v. cool to have Moscow and Miami available as destinations from SNN!
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 206): Have you any idea how talks with LH are going?
Oh yes please! With the success for NOC-DUS I'm sure there is room for at least a minimum of weekend CRJ going on the model LH often have for the summer months with flights to GB/Channel Is/Scandinavia. While EI and FR have massively increased their presence in Germany to various Irish airports since the days of the Saturday charters, I think LH deals a lot with package tour companies still.
EIBusiness From Ireland, joined Feb 2010, 625 posts, RR: 8 Reply 212, posted (3 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 2042 times:
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 201): I wouldn't say they look that much nicer, they certainly look bigger but that's because it's all on one tray whereas the Business Class meal is just the main on show to represent the individuality of each course. I understand them not displaying each starter, main and desert online as it must change far more frequently so maybe an idea would be to upload the menu for each month/season like they do with Cara?
Evidently - these are the same wine glasses used for the Pre-Departure drinks in Business Class. My only concern would be that the tray is very ''compact'' for the amount of items on it - in terms of enjoying the meal comfortably without bunching and spilling items?
Alas, it is easy for us to be critical of new innovations - but EI has been for some time a ''legacy'' organisation - where change occurs slowly, very slowly. I would argue that apart from stemming the crippling losses witnessed for 12 months between 2008 - 2009, EI's single biggest achievement in recent years has been the turnaround of its Long Haul performance.
I had the pleasure of travelling on additional EI Longhaul flights in the past few days. Perhaps most heartening is to see continued exceptional service from those same staff members that have maintained such service through all of the uncertainty in these recent years. Beyond some issues surrounding the comfort of the Business Class hard product (that will need to be addressed in the near term), I would argue that EI is the leader in terms of Business Class on the Atlantic from Ireland. Certainly, on one of my recent sectors, the service was simply flawless.
I can vividly recall empty Y & J Cabins on EI in recent years from January through March. This performance has been reversed considerably & as I am sure will be indicated in full Year 2012 commentary - Long Haul continues to contribute very positively to overall Group performance. With Wi-Fi coming on stream as a VERY solid revenue generator (initially on Long Haul) and these gradual improvements being made to the Y Product - EI are making many ''right'' decisions presently - clearly positioning themselves as a hybrid air travel product provider.
As a total aside, for all of those Irish currently exiled & abroad - the current version of Cara has a very nice piece written by Joseph O' Connor about emigration and returning home!
Sponsor Message: 
From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11951 posts, 
From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1616 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 54 posts, 
From US Minor Outlying Islands, joined Sep 2000, 1982 posts, 
From Hong Kong, joined Jul 2009, 285 posts, 
From France, joined Aug 2001, 696 posts, 
From Germany, joined Jan 2004, 2098 posts, 
From Russia, joined Aug 2010, 354 posts, 
From Australia, joined Sep 2005, 196 posts, 
From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 18829 posts, 
