It's been quite an interesting few weeks and the previous thread saw a number of interesting developments:
- Ryanair's bid to buy out EI officially/formally rejected by EU
- Aer Lingus's proposal to acquire 757s for transatlantic operations
- New routes: Dublin - Bremen (FR) and Amsterdam to Belfast (KL)
- Ryanair to buy 200 more 738s
- Government launches consultation on new national aviation policy
- SAS flying 717s to Dublin
The Summer season starts within the next fortnight, so we should see a significant increase in new flights, if not a significant increase in sunshine!
There is (apparently) a significant routes-related announcement due today, according to Routesonline; hopefully something significant ...
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 2, posted (3 months 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 18528 times:
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh! / Happy St Patricks Day everyone.
.
A nice video of the events at Dublin Airport over the last few days. They really did put on a good show. Obviously the best was in T2 with T1 being the place that it is they did their best but its really tired looking.
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 5, posted (3 months 4 days ago) and read 18372 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 4): From the last thread I posted that Blue1 will be operating some of the SK flights from the 1st April. They use the B717 so great news for DUB.
Ok, thanks, that makes sense. Good news.
Quoting kaitak (Thread starter): There is (apparently) a significant routes-related announcement due today, according to Routesonline; hopefully something significant ...
I guess it is Dublin? Although of course I keep my fingers crossed for Cork
irish251 From Ireland, joined Nov 2004, 925 posts, RR: 4 Reply 8, posted (3 months 3 days ago) and read 15931 times:
Quoting irishair98 (Reply 6): As of flight radar 24 a world airways md-11 has just taken off from DUB with an unknown destination N271WA is the reg . Can anyone explain this ??
It arrived on the morning of the 17th and departed that night to IAD and IND - no doubt connected with St. Patrick's Day festivities.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 9, posted (3 months 3 days ago) and read 15913 times:
Quoting irish251 (Reply 8): It arrived on the morning of the 17th and departed that night to IAD and IND - no doubt connected with St. Patrick's Day festivities.
Maybe a charter. There were some quite large bands some with over 200 at the DUB parade.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11995 posts, RR: 36 Reply 15, posted (3 months 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 15410 times:
Quoting eicvd (Reply 14): Nice to see RO back in DUB.
Yes, not that we'll be doing much "seeing" at that hour; I mean, I know they come from a country that includes Transylvania (and linking with the home town of Bram Stoker), but that's a poor excuse for some very unsocial hours of flying! Are they afraid their cabin crews will turn to dust if they see daylight in Dublin!?
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 16, posted (3 months 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 15380 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 15): Yes, not that we'll be doing much "seeing" at that hour; I mean, I know they come from a country that includes Transylvania (and linking with the home town of Bram Stoker), but that's a poor excuse for some very unsocial hours of flying! Are they afraid their cabin crews will turn to dust if they see daylight in Dublin!?
LMAO That was very funny.
Indeed RO back and EI gone off the route. Still nice to see err or imagine RO metal at DUB
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2625 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (3 months 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 15352 times:
UA will invert the flight numbers of its EWR services to SNN and DUB from 7th June. BFS gets a new pair of flight numbers. There will be no changes to the ORD-SNN and IAD-DUB flight numbers as of yet.
- UA22 (EWR-DUB) switches to UA23 and vice versa
- UA24 (EWR-SNN) switches to UA25 and vice versa
- UA94 (EWR-BFS) becomes UA77 and UA95 (BFS-EWR) becomes UA76
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 23, posted (3 months 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 14837 times:
So here it is :
Ryanair has signed a deal with Boeing to buy 175 new Next Generation 737-800 airplanes.
The airline said that when finalised, the deal will be worth nearly $15.6 billion at current list prices.
Ryanair said the purchase will allow its airline to grow to more than 400 airplanes.
NEW YORK, March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) is delighted that Ryanair has announced a commitment today to order 175 Next-Generation 737-800s for the airline's fleet expansion. When finalized, the agreement will be worth $15.6 billion at list prices and will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website as a firm order.
"This agreement is an amazing testament to the value that the Next-Generation 737 brings to Ryanair," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Ray Conner.
Not to sure about that, it would be SK more so than DY and Scandinavia in general is a hard market to crack if your not based there. I expect some of the aircraft will go eastren and southern Europe and maybe a little further than Europe.
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1634 posts, RR: 2 Reply 27, posted (3 months 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 14869 times:
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 24): Wow! Well, let the speculation begin then as to where these new aircraft will be going in terms of new bases?
Scandinavia to take on DY has to be a contender, as well as rumoured new Russian services?
Well the press release quotes 100 million pax rather than the previous FR number of 120M......so perhaps Russia and/or Israel are of the table? Or maybe the 120M was planned to include EI?
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 28, posted (3 months 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 14830 times:
According to local news the San Fransisco mayor wants to have a direct flight between Cork and California. The only direct link I can see in the future are the EMC jets at ORK
dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1358 posts, RR: 3 Reply 29, posted (3 months 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 14750 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 26): Id expect Greece/Cyprus and North Africa over time
All those markets seem fairly weak at present and into the near future, so it will be interesting to see where FR can place any new aircraft. Doubtless, as in the past existing aircraft will be disposed of, but the market is much less advantageous now, with many relatively young narrowbodies going for scrapping.
EIBoston From Ireland, joined Sep 2006, 417 posts, RR: 0 Reply 30, posted (3 months 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 14650 times:
Quoting KL911 (Reply 28):
According to local news the San Fransisco mayor wants to have a direct flight between Cork and California. The only direct link I can see in the future are the EMC jets at ORK
They might want to see if they can get an East coast service going first. Doubt anyway if any current aircraft can do it direct given the runway length.
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 31, posted (3 months 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 14640 times:
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 24): Wow! Well, let the speculation begin then as to where these new aircraft will be going in terms of new bases?
Not new bases, but when announcing the Eindhoven and Maastricht bases last year MOL told the press that there were many more routes researched and approved but that FR just didnt have the planes for it.
I do believe that both EIN and MST can sustain more routes, there are millions of potential pax in the area, and the trend is that Dutch- Belgian tourists go on many short holidays instead of a long one in summer.
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4041 posts, RR: 13 Reply 33, posted (3 months 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 14643 times:
Quoting KL911 (Reply 31): I do believe that both EIN and MST can sustain more routes, there are millions of potential pax in the area, and the trend is that Dutch- Belgian tourists go on many short holidays instead of a long one in summer.
The Dutch do love a bargain, and I'm frankly very surprised that Ryanair dont have a very substantial base in the country somewhere. It would make their legions of Dutch Pilots very happy also.
The problem with EIN is the operational restrictions that come with also being a military base - you get a certain allocation of slots, and getting any extra for positioning flights etc etc is difficult if not impossible. This really does not lend itself to establishment of a base.
MST is a small airport in terms of pax facilities, and could not acomodate a large base without significant expansion.
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
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4041 posts, RR: 13 Reply 35, posted (3 months 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 14592 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 34): I doubt that pax faciities would deter FR......."overblown shopping malls" I believe is the MoL term for modern airport terminals
MST is so "bijou", it would possibly cause delays if there were any more than 2 aircraft there at once. Delays are something that MOL cares about
That said, a tent would surely suffice.......
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
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 36, posted (3 months 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 14584 times:
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 33): The problem with EIN is the operational restrictions that come with also being a military base - you get a certain allocation of slots, and getting any extra for positioning flights etc etc is difficult if not impossible. This really does not lend itself to establishment of a base.
MST is a small airport in terms of pax facilities, and could not acomodate a large base without significant expansion.
EIN is expanding rapidly, with a large terminal expansion well underway, with on top of the terminal a hotel with 120 rooms almost ready. HV has a base there now as well with 3 737s .
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4041 posts, RR: 13 Reply 37, posted (3 months 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 14524 times:
Quoting KL911 (Reply 36): EIN is expanding rapidly, with a large terminal expansion well underway, with on top of the terminal a hotel with 120 rooms almost ready. HV has a base there now as well with 3 737s .
It's a very well equipped airport, but a bit of a pain in the ass to deal with at times.
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
BestWestern From Ireland, joined Sep 2000, 6507 posts, RR: 58 Reply 38, posted (3 months 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 14264 times:
Quoting KL911 (Reply 28):
According to local news the San Fransisco mayor wants to have a direct flight between Cork and California. The only direct link I can see in the future are the EMC jets at ORK
It seems like the Mayor of San Fransisco has the same airline acumen as our friends over on the Cork Thread on anotherr forum.
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1634 posts, RR: 2 Reply 39, posted (3 months 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 14024 times:
Quoting BestWestern (Reply 38): It seems like the Mayor of San Fransisco has the same airline acumen as our friends over on the Cork Thread on anotherr forum.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 40, posted (3 months 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 14025 times:
Good news for BFS . Hopefully they can maintain this kind of traffic for 2013.
Also interesting article about Indian carriers.
European airports woo Indian airlines
European airports are wooing Indian airlines in the wake of intense competition from aviation hubs such as Dubai and Doha.
Now, airports in Europe, including those in Amsterdam, Dublin, London, Gatwick and Munich, are luring Indian airlines to start direct services. Representatives from these cities met Air India and Jet Airways executives at the Routes Asia conference here over the past two days.
---
Latest passenger figures leave airport flying high
BELFAST International Airport was the second best performing airport in the UK last year - despite the contentious defection of Irish flag-carrier Aer Lingus to Belfast City after five years flying from Aldergrove.
Figures from the Civil Aviation Authority show that the International Airport enjoyed a 5 per cent passenger increase - 215,000 in real terms - in 2012, pipped only by Aberdeen (8 per cent) but ahead of Manchester with a 4.5 per cent increase.
Great news! US seem to have the most competitive prices on transatlantic from Shannon so far for this summer. Glad to see it's working for them and a good sign for the future of SNN-PHL. Also DUB-CLT which was rumoured not to be doing so great.
EireRock From Ireland, joined Nov 2007, 301 posts, RR: 5 Reply 43, posted (3 months 13 hours ago) and read 13399 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 42): Also DUB-CLT which was rumoured not to be doing so great.
I saw these rumours on an earlier thread I think, seems unfounded TBH, the CLT flight always seemed to be doing well during the summer months, lots of onward transfers, MCO especially. It did have the usual slow start in May and then drop off coming close to season end in Sept but apart from that I always seen healthy loads on it.
It was the US Airways CEO who make the comments last year, the problem is they expected more O&D traffic, its flights had good loads but fares were weak.
dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1358 posts, RR: 3 Reply 45, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 12967 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 45): Ryanair to operate twice weekly Shannon-Alicante route between 5 June and 27 September.
Ryanair seem to be the only game in town for new continental routes for SNN.
Hope this relationship does not sour as quickly as past arrangements. Be interesting to see what concessions were offered.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 46, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 12800 times:
AF / Cityjet have launched a new fare DUB-LCY with a min 2 night stay for EUR109 all in including taxes. Thats a bit more like it .
---
Ulster airport worker sacked over Girls Aloud picture
Devastated ex-City of Derry airport worker Alex Duffy has revealed that his life is on the skids after being pictured with the jet-setting singer in the security area and posting it on the social networking site.
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2625 posts, RR: 0 Reply 47, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 12777 times:
Quoting dstc47 (Reply 46): Ryanair seem to be the only game in town for new continental routes for SNN.
Aer Lingus recently added Shannon-Faro...
Alicante is a great addition to the continuing success of SNN's new routes for 2013. That's five new routes to be introduced this year (ORD, PHL, FAO, GLA, ALC). Hopefully more to come! I have to wonder if SNN-ALC can co-exist with KIR-ALC which was recently announced to be upgraded to 3x weekly during the peak summer months.
Aer Lingus Regional flight RE3843 (BRS-ORK) was diverted to KIR this afternoon due to strong crosswinds. This has in turn delayed the turnaround to BHX (RE3706).
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 48, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 12702 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 48): Aer Lingus Regional flight RE3843 (BRS-ORK) was diverted to KIR this afternoon due to strong crosswinds. This has in turn delayed the turnaround to BHX (RE3706).
The weather in Cork has been terrible all afternoon, after rain in the morning the wind picked up, with some rally nasty gusts.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 49, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 12690 times:
Quoting KL911 (Reply 49): The weather in Cork has been terrible all afternoon, after rain in the morning the wind picked up, with some rally nasty gusts.
Yep same here also . Supposed to last over the weekend. Im sure it will disrupt some flights especially in the North.
Weather alert - Northern Ireland braced for drifting snow, gales and rain
EIBusiness From Ireland, joined Feb 2010, 626 posts, RR: 8 Reply 50, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 12444 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 49):
Weather alert - Northern Ireland braced for drifting snow, gales and rain
I suspect that flight diversions are possible in the coming hours.
Currently - a deep depression is centred WSW of Ireland while pressure remains very high all across Scandinavia and Northeastern Europe - where record late season cold is occurring. As a result - a very severe S'Ely airflow covers Ireland. As the rainfall associated with this depression tracks northwards, it is becoming slow moving and meeting the colder Arctic sourced air-mass to the Northeast - turning readily to snowfall.
During the coming 48-72 hours - this area of low pressure will gradually decline however even colder Easterly winds will become established - with exceptionally cold air filtering Westwards all across Ireland. At the moment - it looks like some areas of Northern Ireland (high ground especially) could see severe snowfall while into early next week - if current guidance is correct - de-icing and wintry precipitation may be the order of the day!
clydenairways From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 1022 posts, RR: 0 Reply 51, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 12445 times:
Quoting KL911 (Reply 48): The weather in Cork has been terrible all afternoon, after rain in the morning the wind picked up, with some rally nasty gusts.
Some flights diverting from SNN EI 387 on approach to DUB now.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 52, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 12446 times:
Quoting EIBusiness (Reply 50): I suspect that flight diversions are possible in the coming hours.
Thanks for the very detailed information as always. Certainly would not surprise me Im expecting a power outage here the lights have been flickering and winds extreme currently.
Quoting clydenairways (Reply 51): Some flights diverting from SNN EI 387 on approach to DUB now.
Im surprised they are not diverting from DUB also. ( Unless its not as bad there like it is here ) .
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1883 posts, RR: 9 Reply 54, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 12184 times:
Quoting dstc47 (Reply 45): Ryanair seem to be the only game in town for new continental routes for SNN.
One is SNN's biggest weaknesses has beeo continental Europe with sun destinations being the backbone of any European routes. Good to hear more expansion at SNN and to a destination not currently served or likely to be served by any other airline. FR used to operate ALC a few years back before all the cutbacks there.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 46): Hope this relationship does not sour as quickly as past arrangements. Be interesting to see what concessions were offered.
I also hope that the relationship doesn't get too cosy to the point where SNN are once again at the mercy of FR. A nice, slow, steadt sustainable approach is what is needed not a get rich quick scheme like existed before. Yeah, FR proved you can fly alot of people to alot of destinations from SNN provided you practically paid them to fly.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 55, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 12170 times:
As expected some disruption at BHD :
STATEMENT RE. WEATHER DISRUPTION FRIDAY 22ND MARCH 06:30
Friday 22 Mar 2013
While the airport remains open, George Best Belfast City Airport will 'Snow Close' the runway this morning until an estimated time of 08:30, due to a persistant wet snow fall.
Passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling.
dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1358 posts, RR: 3 Reply 56, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 12159 times:
Not only is BHD closed, but 18,000 homes in N.I. are without power .
Not too wonderful down here Dublin this morning, with heavy driving rain.
I do hope we do not have to compensate all those lured over by "The Gathering" for misselling - it has hardly stopped raining since that ballyhoo started.
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2625 posts, RR: 0 Reply 58, posted (2 months 4 weeks 21 hours ago) and read 11885 times:
RE3721 (MAN-ORK) was diverted to KIR this morning due to crosswinds. Passengers on the turnaround to BRS were bussed to KIR, causing knock-on delays this afternoon for flights operated by that aircraft.
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 59, posted (2 months 4 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 11548 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 58): RE3721 (MAN-ORK) was diverted to KIR this morning due to crosswinds. Passengers on the turnaround to BRS were bussed to KIR, causing knock-on delays this afternoon for flights operated by that aircraft.
Thanks for the update, I was already wondering why every flight is delayed into Cork tonight, up to 4 hours. Since two Aer Lingus flights are now to land around 3AM the question came up if Cork had a curfew being so close to the city?
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6124 posts, RR: 15 Reply 60, posted (2 months 4 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 11574 times:
The Aer Lingus 757 rumour seemed to go very quiet recently but was revived today, same rumours of 757s at SNN, Toronto from DUB and back to the west coast with the spare A330.
It was mentioned on Morning Ireland today as well.
Hopefully not long to wait before confirmation, could be a very interesting development and the biggest since the Open Skies routes were announced.
Quoting KL911 (Reply 59): Since two Aer Lingus flights are now to land around 3AM the question came up if Cork had a curfew being so close to the city?
Cork's terminal is actually open 24 hours a day, not sure if that's changed. I've never heard of flights having a curfew either but might be wrong.
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11995 posts, RR: 36 Reply 61, posted (2 months 4 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 11376 times:
It's been reported that a deal is in the making between Boeing, Southwest and Ryanair, whereby FR will take some of WN's early delivery slots, while WN will take some of FR's older 738s.
Quoted from the thread currently running on this:
Rumor it's a 3 way deal with WN,Boeing capital and Ryan Air.
Ryan air is picking new 800 deliveries slots that WN deferred.
This is part of Ryan Air's new A/C order???
WN is Rumored to be picking up 75 old non ETOPS Ryan Air 800's from Boeing capital over the next 4 years.
Something like 5 in 2013, 42 in 2014, 15 in 2015 and 13 in 2016.
First 35 will be used to replace 717's and the other 12 will be used for DAL growth in 4Q 2014.
The last 28 will replace the last 500's and some 300's.
WN currently has 37 738s on order (theirs seat 175). They currently have 569 737s in service!
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1883 posts, RR: 9 Reply 62, posted (2 months 4 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 11364 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 61): They currently have 569 737s in service!
Wow! I knew WN were big but I had no idea they were that big. It would surprise me if WN were involved in the new FR order. They did teach MoL alot of what he knows. That said, having flown WN and found it quite hard to understand how they are considered a LCC while UA are considered a full service carrier, it is clear MoL has taken things a bit further than what he got taught at WN.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 63, posted (2 months 4 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 11259 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 61): They currently have 569 737s in service!
Yes they are an amazing set up . I used to fly them from my local airport BUR in the early part of the 90's . They really have come a long way.
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 60): Cork's terminal is actually open 24 hours a day, not sure if that's changed. I've never heard of flights having a curfew either but might be wrong.
I never heard of such either. Hope its not changed.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 64, posted (2 months 4 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 11226 times:
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 62): it is clear MoL has taken things a bit further than what he got taught at WN
FR is making much more profit than WN, thats all that count
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 60): Cork's terminal is actually open 24 hours a day, not sure if that's changed. I've never heard of flights having a curfew either but might be wrong.
Good to know.
I am actually surprised about the very short runway. Can they make ACE etc from ORK without penalties?
This because my hometown GRQ needed to extend their runway from 1800 to 2500 mtr to cater for nonstop flights to destinations like ACE and TFS.
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1634 posts, RR: 2 Reply 65, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 11187 times:
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 62): I knew WN were big but I had no idea they were that big..................................They did teach MoL alot of what he knows................ it is clear MoL has taken things a bit further than what he got taught at WN.
The only parts of the WN business model that FT took onboard were single aircraft type and rapid turnarounds.
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11995 posts, RR: 36 Reply 67, posted (2 months 3 weeks 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 10860 times:
Apparently, the plans for the 757s have been confirmed to EI staff in a briefing by CM this week.
Aer Lingus will be acquiring three 757s this Winter for SNN-BOS/JFK, while the 757s will also be used for YYZ next Summer, in competition with AC and TS.
There are also reports of a west coast service, but I'm not sure whether this has been confirmed by CM; it's been described as "expected".
On a historical note, the 757s will be the first PW powered aircraft operated by EI since the retirement of the 747s in 1995.
SXDFC From United States of America, joined Dec 2007, 2041 posts, RR: 19 Reply 68, posted (2 months 3 weeks 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 10802 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 67): On a historical note, the 757s will be the first PW powered aircraft operated by EI since the retirement of the 747s in 1995.
Where will these 757s be coming from?
ALL views, opinions expressed are mine ONLY and are NOT representative of those shared by Southwest Airlines Co.
So two of the 757s will be based at SNN as expected, fantastic! Looking forward to the official announcement with details of schedules, seat configurations etc. Can't wait to see the EI livery on the 757s - will be interesting with the winglets!
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6124 posts, RR: 15 Reply 70, posted (2 months 3 weeks 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 10804 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 67): Aer Lingus will be acquiring three 757s this Winter for SNN-BOS/JFK, while the 757s will also be used for YYZ next Summer, in competition with AC and TS.
I wonder if this will be the start of code sharing with Air Canada, the interline agreement announced last year was said to be a preliminary step toward a full code sharing partnership. Makes sense to tie it into an Aer Lingus service to YYZ.
EireRock From Ireland, joined Nov 2007, 301 posts, RR: 5 Reply 73, posted (2 months 3 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 10758 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 67): On a historical note, the 757s will be the first PW powered aircraft operated by EI since the retirement of the 747s in 1995.
Might have to catch you on a technicality there Kaitak....those 767's that EI operated for a short while were PW4000 powered if im correct. Although not sure if that was before or after 1995.
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1634 posts, RR: 2 Reply 74, posted (2 months 3 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 10737 times:
Quoting EireRock (Reply 73): Might have to catch you on a technicality there Kaitak....those 767's that EI operated for a short while were PW4000 powered if im correct. Although not sure if that was before or after 1995.
B767's were operated briefly in '90 or '91 I believe. The plan was to start West Coast ops but the Gulf War killed off that idea.
EireRock From Ireland, joined Nov 2007, 301 posts, RR: 5 Reply 75, posted (2 months 3 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 10710 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 74): B767's were operated briefly in '90 or '91 I believe. The plan was to start West Coast ops but the Gulf War killed off that idea.
So you are indeed correct Kaitak, forgive my input!!
Jamie2k9 From Ireland, joined Jan 2012, 80 posts, RR: 0 Reply 76, posted (2 months 3 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 10720 times:
I don't think that EI will operate JFK and BOS daily from early Jan to mid March. Yes a smaller aircraft helps but that time of year is still weak and EI will not make a profit. Would expect 1 B757 to operate both JFK and BOS 3 and 4 weekly then the usual daily service to both outside of that period.
What are the chances of AC and EI doing a codeshare on each carriers direct service to YYZ, it may open up connections out of YYZ for EI if they did.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 77, posted (2 months 3 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 10752 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 74): B767's were operated briefly in '90 or '91 I believe. The plan was to start West Coast ops but the Gulf War killed off that idea.
That indeed was a shame. When you look over the years EI have had lots of things that have set them back outside of their control. Foot and mouth was another one and equally as damaging.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11995 posts, RR: 36 Reply 78, posted (2 months 3 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 10714 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 74): The plan was to start West Coast ops but the Gulf War killed off that idea.
I think it was something even more dangerous than the Gulf War ... Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, the minister at the time, rejected plans submitted by EI to operate nonstop from DUB to LAX (despite all the economic arguments for this); she was also the minister who killed her predecessor (Seamus Brennan)'s plan to relax the stopover; SB went on to minister again in the early part of this decade, though it was MGQ's successor as Minister for Transport, Brian Cowen, who was the one who authorised the 50/50 arrangement that we had for many years until Open Skies. Basically, the Executive Chairman of EI at the time, the late Bernie Cahill, convinced Cowen that with the 747s being so old, they could not justify replacing them unless there was a change in the regulations.
By then, however, the 763s were leased out; one went to Aeromexico and the other, to TWA. One of them spent a long, long time parked in the open at DUB, though it was later used for DUB-SNN-BOS services.
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1634 posts, RR: 2 Reply 79, posted (2 months 3 weeks 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 10706 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 76): I don't think that EI will operate JFK and BOS daily from early Jan to mid March. Yes a smaller aircraft helps but that time of year is still weak and EI will not make a profit. Would expect 1 B757 to operate both JFK and BOS 3 and 4 weekly then the usual daily service to both outside of that period.
Makes sense.....I would see the double daily B757 ops to be Summer only. Indeed the 3/4 split with a B757 may well allow EI to keep SNN year round. We could possibly see a B757 operating in Winter from Dublin on a lower yielding route.
A 3/3/4 B757/A332/A333 mix could actually allow EI to tailor their fleet/network set-up very well over the entire year to suit the varying demand in their network. (Assuming capacity of 12/170, 24/250, 24/300 respectively)
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1883 posts, RR: 9 Reply 80, posted (2 months 3 weeks 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 10671 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 67): Apparently, the plans for the 757s have been confirmed to EI staff in a briefing by CM this week.
Fantastic news! This is without doubt the biggest shake up in EI long haul strategy since they acquired the A330s.
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 69): So two of the 757s will be based at SNN as expected, fantastic! Looking forward to the official announcement with details of schedules, seat configurations etc. Can't wait to see the EI livery on the 757s - will be interesting with the winglets!
It will certainly be a huge boost for the new independent SNN to have an improved schedule on the TA flights and a return to year round services. How long though before we get some local idiot politician who tries to gain himself publicity by passing this off as EI downgrading of SNN services using some misinformation he overheard in some pub on a Saturday night.
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 79): Makes sense.....I would see the double daily B757 ops to be Summer only. Indeed the 3/4 split with a B757 may well allow EI to keep SNN year round. We could possibly see a B757 operating in Winter from Dublin on a lower yielding route.
Perhaps one of the B757s could be used to operate ski routes from SNN during the winter? I do agree that it is hard to imagine being able to make much profit operating double daily to the US from SNN during the winter even with the smaller aircraft.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 85, posted (2 months 3 weeks 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 9998 times:
Guys,
I know there is a whole story about EI being forced to operate via or from SNN. But now with open skies the goverment can not force airlines to fly into SNN can they?
So why are airlines still operating trans-atlantic to a city of just 10.000 citizens, or even to a County of 120.000 citizens? And Dublin is just over 200 km away.
Sorry for the question, I am sure there is a good answer for it.
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1634 posts, RR: 2 Reply 86, posted (2 months 3 weeks 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 9968 times:
Nice article about EY. Seems very positive, more like a recruitment advert.
I like this quote "So how can an airline that doesn’t cut corners make money in our low-fare world? “ We are very efficient,” Tiedt says. “We might have 12 crew on-board when other airlines will have 14."
EI must be even more efficient,they only have 8 crew on an A330. Maybe they are talking about their B777 crew levels?
Quoting KL911 (Reply 85): .....But now with open skies the goverment can not force airlines to fly into SNN can they?
So why are airlines still operating trans-atlantic to a city of just 10.000 citizens, or even to a County of 120.000 citizens......
Sorry for the question, I am sure there is a good answer for it.
I assume that they are flying into the whole South West catchment area rather than just SNN, Limerick or Co.Clare. US tourists are quite attracted to the Kerry, Clare, Galway region for its activities.
EDIT: No subsidies are given, part from any normal new route discounts that are available to any airline new to SNN. And the govt doesn't force airline to operate into SNN. Obviously there is a market there. But as we can see from the EI operation,it is not vibrant. They suspend winter ops and the US carriers use smaller B757's.
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 87, posted (2 months 3 weeks 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 9947 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 86): I assume that they are flying into the whole South West catchment area rather than just SNN, Limerick or Co.Clare. US tourists are quite attracted to the Kerry, Clare, Galway region for its activities.
Ok, I get the tourism part, but can a transatlantic route be viable with just low yield tourists and O&D ? Is there subsidy for those routes?
EIDL From Ireland, joined Apr 2012, 222 posts, RR: 0 Reply 88, posted (2 months 3 weeks 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 9934 times:
Quoting KL911 (Reply 87): Ok, I get the tourism part, but can a transatlantic route be viable with just low yield tourists and O&D ? Is there subsidy for those routes?
No.
High emigration + some business still in the Free Zone + misty eyed Irish Americans to whom Shannon has always been seen as the gateway to Ireland ensures there's enough demand for the flights there are. Returning emigrants aren't low yield, generally, for starters.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 89, posted (2 months 3 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 9912 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 86): Nice article about EY. Seems very positive, more like a recruitment advert.
From friends working in EY both FA's and Pilots they do seem to be the better of the Gulf carriers in terms of treatment. It does have its bad points but so do alot of carriers.
Quoting KL911 (Reply 87): Ok, I get the tourism part, but can a transatlantic route be viable with just low yield tourists and O&D ? Is there subsidy for those routes?
SNN still has demand for TATL but its getting the right sustainable balance. It will never be the amount that it was when carriers were forced to land there before going to DUB but there is a demand which the B757s will enable Aer Lingus to strike that balance.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 90, posted (2 months 3 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 9853 times:
Quoting EIDL (Reply 88): No.High emigration + some business still in the Free Zone + misty eyed Irish Americans to whom Shannon has always been seen as the gateway to Ireland ensures there's enough demand for the flights there are. Returning emigrants aren't low yield, generally, for starters.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 89): SNN still has demand for TATL but its getting the right sustainable balance. It will never be the amount that it was when carriers were forced to land there before going to DUB but there is a demand which the B757s will enable Aer Lingus to strike that balance.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 92, posted (2 months 3 weeks 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 9451 times:
Some more recruitment opportunities from EY :
Etihad offering 50 jobs
ETIHAD Airways is to recruit at least 50 cabin crew, food and beverage managers and in-flight chefs in Dublin this week. The airline will hold an open day for prospective food and beverage managers and onboard chefs in the Burlington Hotel tomorrow, while on Wednesday it will interview those hoping to join its cabin crew.
Cabin crew candidates must apply online at ccrecruitment@etihad.ae in advance and will be called for an interview.
Sadly the cause of the crash still remains a mystery, most agree that structural failure caused by fatigue but at this stage it is unlikely we'll never know. The book Tragedy at Tuskar by Mike Reynolds is a very interesting read, he was involved in the 2000 report from a possible bird strike to the conspiracy theories which plagued the earlier investigations.
dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1358 posts, RR: 3 Reply 94, posted (2 months 3 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 9398 times:
Tuskar Rock seems more recent than 45 years, perhaps due to the conspiracy theories keeping it in the media. Nice to see the old footage.
Better news of a difficulty at sea today in that a yachtsman has been airlifted to safety, after his boat got into difficulty off the coast of East Cork overnight.The British man was flown to Waterford airport by the Coast Guard helicopter and the boat is being towed in.
Jambost From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 216 posts, RR: 0 Reply 95, posted (2 months 3 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 9284 times:
Just under a week to go before EI launch AGP and FAO from BHD with PMI starting soon after.
FAO daily and AGP six weekly, I do hope they are selling enough seats with PMI having a more sensible twice weekly frequency to start with. I would have expected FAO and AGP to start with maybe 3 or 4 weekly. Enough of my ramblings;
Any update on what sort of load factors they have achieved so far?
United Ireland Emirates, Founded:01APR13, Base BFS, Fleet 3 x 787-8 dest: DXB, JFK & YYZ, Partners AA , AC & EK
Why would they not have AGP and FAO at daily and 6 weekly, there has being no capacity change to these destionations apart from a Belfast Airport. Jet 2 only took ACE and TFS while EZY have one nothing. LF wise I understand LGW may be struggling and if the factors are good fares are very low. LHR is doing good.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 97, posted (2 months 3 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 9156 times:
Quoting Jambost (Reply 95): Just under a week to go before EI launch AGP and FAO from BHD with PMI starting soon after.
PMI should do well. Falcon are buying seats off EI . They certainly need the travel trade behind them to help put bums on seats so this should work out well for them .
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11995 posts, RR: 36 Reply 99, posted (2 months 3 weeks 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 8973 times:
Quoting dstc47 (Reply 94): Tuskar Rock seems more recent than 45 years, perhaps due to the conspiracy theories keeping it in the media. Nice to see the old footage.
Coincidentally enough, I was reading a book my a gentleman called Mike Reynolds (a sea captain) about the investigation carried out by a French company, Exp'air, in 2000-01. Very interesting read. It seems that the aircraft had actually been circling around and struggling for some time at low altitude around the south-east coast; some 40+ witnesses saw this, but it wasn't reported in the initial inquiry. I had always understood that it was a very sudden loss of control.
I suspect user airlines have been pushing hard for this to bring it into line with T2.
At some point, all of T1 will need to be renovated.
Its great that it will be completed before the Summer season. Certainly needed it. Also needs AC for heating in Winter and cool air in Summer ( when we get one )
Other than that its still a nice design and Im glad they are keeping it. The arrivals in T1 really needs to be gutted out and re done. It looks very cold and tired.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6124 posts, RR: 15 Reply 103, posted (2 months 3 weeks 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 8872 times:
Quoting Jambost (Reply 95): Just under a week to go before EI launch AGP and FAO from BHD with PMI starting soon after.
FAO started a little early with a service on Saturday before the schedule launches properly this weekend.
Quoting kaitak (Reply 99): It seems that the aircraft had actually been circling around and struggling for some time at low altitude around the south-east coast; some 40+ witnesses saw this, but it wasn't reported in the initial inquiry. I had always understood that it was a very sudden loss of control.
The theory of a bird strike is also covered in that book, a lot of it focuses on migrating geese patterns possibly crossing the path of Flight 712 and causing the initial upset. If it's true that the aircraft managed to stay in the air for so long after the spin, and the eye witness accounts back this up, then the pilots did an incredible job keeping that amount of control. Unfortunately the conspiracy theorists got hold of this and claim the pilot went on a sight seeing trip by flying low for American passengers. I find that as hard to believe as the missile story!
styles9002 From United States of America, joined May 2007, 524 posts, RR: 1 Reply 104, posted (2 months 3 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 8523 times:
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1883 posts, RR: 9 Reply 105, posted (2 months 3 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 8520 times:
Quoting BestWestern (Reply 91): Considering the huge losses the airport makes - nobody is paying a sustainable rate.
I would suspect that the losses at SNN are more to do with the underuse of the facility in general than anything to do with than carriers operating transatlantic services and not paying their way. I can imagine that UA (for the SNN-EWR route), EI amd TS are all paying full fees as set by the DAA from when they owned SNN for using it given the length that those services have been available for.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 92): In summer SNN has more US frequencies than larger cities, such as Barcelona.
That is a poor reflection on those cites for not being able to attract carriers not a poor reflection on SNN for managing to achieve what they can't.
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 98): Nice to see SNN rolling out (pun intended) some advertising of its long haul services around Limerick:
Yes, the SNN marketing staff have pulled the finger out in a big way over the past 18 months or co. Clearly they have teamed up with the airlines for this one seeing as the airline brand takes prominence over the SNN brand. I am thus far impressed with the new SAA but the real test will not be this summer but the next three to four to see how many of these new services will remain longer term, to see if passenger numbers meet target and most importantly, if those huge losses can be turned to a profit.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1358 posts, RR: 3 Reply 107, posted (2 months 3 weeks 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 8385 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 99): Very interesting read. It seems that the aircraft had actually been circling around and struggling for some time at low altitude around the south-east coast; some 40+ witnesses saw this, but it wasn't reported in the initial inquiry.
While the second enquiry does give a lot of credit to a theory that the aircraft engaged in peculiar movements for a long period, the witness reports are dubious to say the least as to time (may have been search aircraft seen later being reported?), and to positive identification. IIRC, it was far fewer than 40 witnesses. Neither does it explain why the aircraft made no apparent radio calls during that time that anyone heard, nor how such behavior accords with the last radio message from the aircraft, or the likely position at that stage of the flight.
IRISH251 From Ireland, joined Nov 2004, 925 posts, RR: 4 Reply 108, posted (2 months 3 weeks 4 days ago) and read 8302 times:
Quoting dstc47 (Reply 107): Quoting kaitak (Reply 99):Very interesting read. It seems that the aircraft had actually been circling around and struggling for some time at low altitude around the south-east coast; some 40+ witnesses saw this, but it wasn't reported in the initial inquiry.
While the second enquiry does give a lot of credit to a theory that the aircraft engaged in peculiar movements for a long period, the witness reports are dubious to say the least as to time (may have been search aircraft seen later being reported?), and to positive identification. IIRC, it was far fewer than 40 witnesses. Neither does it explain why the aircraft made no apparent radio calls during that time that anyone heard, nor how such behavior accords with the last radio message from the aircraft, or the likely position at that stage of the flight.
I must say I agree with dstc47. How a large transport aircraft could have been successfully recovered from a high-speed uncontrolled descent at all, probably already with damage to the airframe, and then flown for an extended period with no communication with ATC or other aircraft, has never been explained by proponents of this theory. It is also highly questionable to give weight to witness statements made many years after the event; eyewitness evidence even immediately after something happens has been found often to be demonstrably incorrect. The truth of this event will never be known, as there is no material or other evidence available that could enable a firm conclusion to be reached. However I am inclined to the more prosaic explanation that the aircraft suffered a structural failure or other control upset in flight and spun into the sea. It may have shed parts on the way down, as has often happened in these cases. If the original accident report had not hypothesised about another aircraft in the vicinity (in the quiet skies of a 1960s Sunday morning!) the various conspiracy theories about this crash might never have taken hold.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 111, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 8091 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 109): Gutted! Looks like I'll be pre-eating in the lounge.
Well you can always pre dine at the Chocolate lounge
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 110): LOL....seems a bit daft given they are the longest short haul sectors. Probably saving the galley space for duty free fags!
More like the booze! I have had the pleasure or should I say experience of those charter type routes in EI some years ago and lets just say its more like an Irish bar at 35,000FT !
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4528 posts, RR: 25 Reply 112, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 8022 times:
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 110): LOL....seems a bit daft given they are the longest short haul sectors. Probably saving the galley space for duty free fags!
Haha - I thought so too - looks like it'll be 4.5 hours of looking out the window hoping the flight will end!
Don't even get me started on the 150 Gold Circle points either. I switched my earning to my BA card earlier today.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 111): Well you can always pre dine at the Chocolate lounge
This is very true... and get rolled off the aircraft at the other end!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 111): More like the booze! I have had the pleasure or should I say experience of those charter type routes in EI some years ago and lets just say its more like an Irish bar at 35,000FT !
I'll make sure I report back on the drunken antics of my fellow passengers - as long as I am not one of them! The cone of silence will fall if so
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11995 posts, RR: 36 Reply 115, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 7919 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 112): Quoting OA260 (Reply 111):Well you can always pre dine at the Chocolate lounge
This is very true... and get rolled off the aircraft at the other end!
I plan to test that theory next week; I'll be very scientific about it and report my findings!
Jamie2k9 From Ireland, joined Jan 2012, 80 posts, RR: 0 Reply 116, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 7899 times:
-
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 105): In summer SNN has more US frequencies than larger cities, such as Barcelona.
Are you sure about that as BCN has airlines covering 10 cities and North American and Canada + they have larger aircraft than SNN which will be all B757 except for TS service to
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6124 posts, RR: 15 Reply 117, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 7771 times:
Aer Lingus CEO appointed chair of An Post
Quote: Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller has been appointed the new chairman of An Post.
Announcing the decision this afternoon, Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte said the appointment comes at a critical time for the future of An Post.
%u201CAn Post has a great brand and an important nation-wide network. It provides very important services to communities throughout Ireland. However, in the internet era, the company also faces significant challenges.%u201D
He said the company would benefit from the strategic leadership approach that Christoph Mueller has brought to Aer Lingus.
Christoph Mueller will remain CEO of Aer Lingus. Busy man!
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 118, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 7722 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 109): Meanwhile, it seems pre-order meals are not available on Aer Lingus flights to the Canary Islands.
Gutted! Looks like I'll be pre-eating in the lounge.
Dont worry, I fly to Lanzarote 2x a year on Ryanair, often 4 hour flights and indeed my next one is from Cork. But in my experience its fine if you eat at home, and then again at the destination. 4 hours isnt that long with a good book.
Plus dont forget you can buy sandwiches and hot snacks with BoB. ( dont know if EI has hot food in their bob menu, but FR certainly has)
dergay From Ireland, joined Dec 2006, 26 posts, RR: 0 Reply 119, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 7587 times:
Quoting KL911 (Reply 118):
Dont worry, I fly to Lanzarote 2x a year on Ryanair, often 4 hour flights and indeed my next one is from Cork. But in my experience its fine if you eat at home, and then again at the destination.
Bring the ham sangers, and buy a bag of Tayto and a bottle of pop in Boots!
Flown on A300,A310,A318,A319,A320,A321,A330,B707,B720,B727,B737,B747,B757,B767,L382,L1011,C5,DC-3,DC8,
aidansnn From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 22 posts, RR: 0 Reply 120, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 7536 times:
Note sure why this is being made into an issue, wasn't it always the case?
Later Heathrow flight will disrupt business: O’Dea
BUSINESS is facing disruption, it was claimed this week, after Aer Lingus confirmed a change to its Shannon-Heathrow service for the summer season.
From March 31, the morning flight will depart at 8.45am, in a move which has been strongly criticised. The daily flight currently leaves Shannon at 7.30am, arriving at 9am. As a result of the change, passengers will not land in London until 10.15am.
Fianna Fáil’s Deputy Willie O’Dea has criticised the move and believes it will have an adverse affect on business.
On an unrelated note, I took the opportunity to sample the Aer Lingus seared beef last week on a flight from LHR. Was nice, but not amazing. Pre-ordered so I was served before other pax but to be honest it felt a bit weird being the only one served. Would try again, but only on a longer sector.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 122, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 7362 times:
Quoting aidansnn (Reply 120): Note sure why this is being made into an issue, wasn't it always the case?
Well I guess some might think that it needs to be earlier in the Summer to make onward connections especially on the BA network where alot of flights leave early. 0900 is a good time to land to get the 1030am-1130am flights. The later arrival would make only connections from midday onwards. It also makes a difference to business professionals for earlier meetings in the city.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 125, posted (2 months 3 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 7055 times:
FR staff to get 10% pay rise. Not many getting that kind of a raise these days .
Ryanair Agrees to 10% Cabin Crew Pay Increase Over Four Years
Ryanair Holdings Plc (RYA), Europe’s biggest discount carrier, agreed to boost the average salary of its cabin crew and some pilots, replacing pay deals due to expire next month.
Flight attendants will get an average 10 percent increase over four years and a guaranteed “home every night” roster, Dublin-based Ryanair said in a statement today.
Under a separate agreement, Ryanair pilots based in Alicante, Spain, Cork and Shannon in Ireland and working out of Bristol, Luton and East Midlands airports in the U.K. will get pay increases of as much as 10 percent over the next five years.
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1634 posts, RR: 2 Reply 126, posted (2 months 3 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 6994 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 125): FR staff to get 10% pay rise. Not many getting that kind of a raise these days....
.........Flight attendants will get an average 10 percent increase over four years and a guaranteed “home every night” roster, Dublin-based Ryanair said in a statement today.
Good to see them getting that. God knows they deserve it. As for the 'home every night roster'.....haven't they always had that? Even if their 'Home Base' isn't their home.
So 4x 2.5% yearly increases. Seems pretty similar to the increase that EI is currently withholding from their own staff due to the unresolved pension issue.
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4528 posts, RR: 25 Reply 127, posted (2 months 3 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 6559 times:
Not sure if you guys know, but I am Australian and have been living in Ireland since 2005.
I received my citizenship on 11 March - so now I'm Irish too!
The reason I am writing this here is that I am off to Gran Canaria today. When sending off for my Irish Passport, as a new citizen I had to send my Australian Passport with it as proof of ID. As such, no Passport and no way to travel.
Happily, my new Irish Passport and my Aussie Passport arrived in the mail this morning - so off to Gran Canaria with Aer Lingus this afternoon I do! It was cut very fine, but happily it all worked out in the end.
DUB-LPA on EI, then coming back LPA-MAD on IB, MAD-LHR-DUB on BA. Good times!
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 129, posted (2 months 3 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 6524 times:
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 127): Not sure if you guys know, but I am Australian and have been living in Ireland since 2005.
I received my citizenship on 11 March - so now I'm Irish too!
Conrats to you. I am entitled to one also but the EUR1000 fee puts me off Especially as a UK passport is just as handy. Of course for NZ/OZ citizens it makes more sense especially if you live in the EU .
Have a good flight.
----
Lack of air links damaging for Cork – EMC chief
"Cork Airport has no direct flight to Dublin, the train is still a bit slow, and then Shannon has its own issues – so that is a huge challenge for us.
"Then again, if we can create the critical mass here, then it will become an economic decision to run flights from Cork," he added.
Well firstly I dont know what train he is taking because the train is far from slow. Secondly he can certainly create a critical mass and maybe they should give EI or whoever they are thinking of a non refundable deposit if he is so confident that yields would be good and a link would be profitable.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1883 posts, RR: 9 Reply 130, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 6414 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 128): "Shannon may now be on the radar for Middle East-based carriers such as Turkish Airlines and Qatar" - aviation analyst.
I'm not so sure about TK or QR but there are smaller airports than SNN that are served by EK and given that the DUB-AUH and DUB-DXB routes by enlarge used by Irish emmigrants or family members visiting Irish emmigrants from all over the country, it is certainly not as absurd as it might initially appear that middle eastern carriers are at least considering the possibility of operating to SNN.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
Aer Lingus From Ireland, joined May 2000, 1527 posts, RR: 0 Reply 131, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 6383 times:
Had a very cattle truck experience last night with a certain airline culminating in the aircraft pushing back, engines starting and flaps set all the while half a dozen people had yet to be seated and cabin crew were frantically trying to find space for those people's bags. I thought we were about to taxi with people moving about the cabin. Is what happened even allowed?
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1634 posts, RR: 2 Reply 132, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 6360 times:
Quoting Aer Lingus (Reply 131): Had a very cattle truck experience last night ..........I thought we were about to taxi with people moving about the cabin. Is what happened even allowed?
Not at all. All pax must be seated, O/H lockers closed and aircraft commander informed of this before the aircraft can commence its pushback.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 133, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 6360 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 128): "Shannon may now be on the radar for Middle East-based carriers such as Turkish Airlines and Qatar" - aviation analyst.
''Shannon may now be on the radar for Middle East-based carriers such as Turkish Airlines and Qatar, said an aviation analyst familiar with the market.''
Well if the analyst actually quoted TK as being a Middle Eastern carrier then they are not that good at their job! Or maybe it was another case of bad journalism
Quoting Aer Lingus (Reply 131): I thought we were about to taxi with people moving about the cabin. Is what happened even allowed?
No not allowed but I have often seen it. Numerous airlines including those you wouldnt expect it on. Wont name them.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11995 posts, RR: 36 Reply 134, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 6332 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 133): I thought we were about to taxi with people moving about the cabin. Is what happened even allowed?
No not allowed but I have often seen it. Numerous airlines including those you wouldnt expect it on. Wont name them.
Disgraceful on so many levels - not just the flagrant abuse of the rules (I can't think of any regulatory authority which would permit this); it also shows poor co-ordination between cabin and flight crew.
Anyone see an Air Corps Pilatus over the city centre at about 12.30? Didn't know acft were allowed to fly over the city centre (or does the exclusion zone apply to military aircraft?)
Quoting ClassicLover (Reply 127): Not sure if you guys know, but I am Australian and have been living in Ireland since 2005.
I received my citizenship on 11 March - so now I'm Irish too!
Congratulations! At least we have one new Irish person to redress the balance (though I think it's slightly in favour of people moving in the opposite way!)
Quoting OA260 (Reply 133): ''Shannon may now be on the radar for Middle East-based carriers such as Turkish Airlines and Qatar, said an aviation analyst familiar with the market.''
Well if the analyst actually quoted TK as being a Middle Eastern carrier then they are not that good at their job! Or maybe it was another case of bad journalism
I know it's strictly speaking a European carrier, but Turkey kind of straddles the two - and in terms of growth rates, it's far closer to the M/E carriers than to most European ones. It would be terrific if they decided to start a SNN route. I wonder if they would do it as a dedicated service, i.e. with a 319, or would they stop at SNN en route to another destination, e.g. HAV or MEX? They have a long shopping list of destinations and given the number of destinations they serve (over 200!), it would be a huge boost, not just for tourism, but also for exports.
clydenairways From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 1022 posts, RR: 0 Reply 135, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 6300 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 128): "Shannon may now be on the radar for Middle East-based carriers such as Turkish Airlines and Qatar" - aviation analyst.
It would be a great coup if they got one of the ME carriers but i just don't think the catchment area is big enough.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 125): FR staff to get 10% pay rise. Not many getting that kind of a raise these days .
Ryanair Agrees to 10% Cabin Crew Pay Increase Over Four Years
Isn't the bulk of their pay based on onboard sales anyway, so that's probably only 10% on an extremely low basic.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 129): Lack of air links damaging for Cork – EMC chief
"Cork Airport has no direct flight to Dublin, the train is still a bit slow, and then Shannon has its own issues – so that is a huge challenge for us.
With a direct motorway flights just aren't viable anymore, and you also now have high frequency direct comfortable cheap Express coaches from Cork to DUB. I don't know why anyone would take the train if they were going up to Dublin Airport, unless they have a DSP pass.
Quoting kaitak (Reply 67): On a historical note, the 757s will be the first PW powered aircraft operated by EI since the retirement of the 747s in 1995.
Well since you are including wet leased aircraft then the World Md11 was more recent than that, and don't forget that the Fk50's were P&W Canada.
Jamie2k9 From Ireland, joined Jan 2012, 80 posts, RR: 0 Reply 136, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 6292 times:
No disrespect to SNN but we need to get real here SNN-Middle East flights - come on people....the future of SNN lies for Irish going to the sun, UK routes and a few European hubs + the T/A network. Lets say they do get a airline to operate to middle east then where will the passengers come from, people from the South, North and many areas of the West will still travel to DUB as its better transport links and in most cases just as quick as to get to as SNN. Then there is better prices ex DUB which young Irish people leaving will want.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 137, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 6220 times:
Quoting kaitak (Reply 134): I wonder if they would do it as a dedicated service, i.e. with a 319, or would they stop at SNN en route to another destination, e.g. HAV or MEX? They have a long shopping list of destinations and given the number of destinations they serve (over 200!), it would be a huge boost, not just for tourism, but also for exports.
The thing that is stopping TK growth in Ireland is the visa issues for Turkish nationals. This has been stated numerous times and more recently in an interview with the TK manager for Ireland. Its a shame that there cant be a special visa system where genuine affluent Turkish tourists can have access to Ireland without all the red tape. I believe EU rules are also a barrier to this kind of system apparantly.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2625 posts, RR: 0 Reply 138, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 6194 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 133): No not allowed but I have often seen it. Numerous airlines including those you wouldnt expect it on. Wont name them
OK, I will then on both of my BA flights last summer (my first with BA) the aircraft departed (as in pushed back from the gate) while passengers were still in the aisles getting settled and stowing bags. It obviously wouldn't majorly disrupt passengers' travel experience but it does have the potential to cause serious injury.
tolmachevo From Germany, joined Jun 2006, 105 posts, RR: 0 Reply 139, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 6059 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 137): Its a shame that there cant be a special visa system where genuine affluent Turkish tourists can have access to Ireland without all the red tape. I believe EU rules are also a barrier to this kind of system apparantly.
This is more to do with the CTA then the EU, although currently Turkish citizens who hold a valid UK visa can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days. They belong to the "Olympic" group of visa waiver countries.
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 140, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 6002 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 129): Well firstly I dont know what train he is taking because the train is far from slow
He is my boss , and what he means is that the train INCL transport from and to the airport is taking to long for our clients who travel to Cork via DUB from all over the world.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 141, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 5965 times:
Quoting tolmachevo (Reply 139): This is more to do with the CTA then the EU, although currently Turkish citizens who hold a valid UK visa can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days. They belong to the "Olympic" group of visa waiver countries.
If someone flies IST-DUB and holds an Irish visa only why should it effect the CTA? Plenty of people hold Irish visas but cant travel to the UK.
Quoting KL911 (Reply 140): He is my boss , and what he means is that the train INCL transport from and to the airport is taking to long for our clients who travel to Cork via DUB from all over the world.
Well 4 flights a day DUB-LHR and connections to anywhere in the world. Also the Gobus takes around three hours and has free wifi and runs from 0230am until late. People need to understand whats involved in sustaining an air route . Times have changed.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
EI137 (DUB-BOS), EI139 (DUB-BOS) and EI125 (DUB-ORD) will clear on arrival in the US.
Odd that no DUB-BOS flight will preclear now. It would be great if the CBP could get around their staffing issues and cater for all flights (at both DUB and SNN). Unlikely though following recent government "sequester" cutbacks in the US.
CarbHeatIn From Ireland, joined Jun 2004, 210 posts, RR: 0 Reply 143, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 5887 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 125): FR staff to get 10% pay rise. Not many getting that kind of a raise these days .
Ryanair Agrees to 10% Cabin Crew Pay Increase Over Four Years
Ryanair Holdings Plc (RYA), Europe’s biggest discount carrier, agreed to boost the average salary of its cabin crew and some pilots, replacing pay deals due to expire next month.
Flight attendants will get an average 10 percent increase over four years and a guaranteed “home every night” roster, Dublin-based Ryanair said in a statement today.
Under a separate agreement, Ryanair pilots based in Alicante, Spain, Cork and Shannon in Ireland and working out of Bristol, Luton and East Midlands airports in the U.K. will get pay increases of as much as 10 percent over the next five years.
Typical FR propaganda. The bases mentioned have 2-5 actual FR employee pilots. The vast majority are contractors, and are excluded from any 'positive' change of contract. The same accounts for the cabin crew.
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1883 posts, RR: 9 Reply 144, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 5880 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 136): No disrespect to SNN but we need to get real here SNN-Middle East flights - come on people....the future of SNN lies for Irish going to the sun, UK routes and a few European hubs + the T/A network. Lets say they do get a airline to operate to middle east then where will the passengers come from, people from the South, North and many areas of the West will still travel to DUB as its better transport links and in most cases just as quick as to get to as SNN. Then there is better prices ex DUB which young Irish people leaving will want.
I don't think anyone here is getting too carried away just yet. The target market for any ME flight to anywhere in Ireland is the huge Irish emmigrant population living mostly in Australia who come from all over Ireland and like the notion of the one stop flight home. As I said above, there are actually smaller airports than SNN currently served by EK. I remember reading a thread here on this very topic quite recently and I recall some airports had less than 1 m passengers per year.
As for prices, I'm not so sure that Dublin-Australia flights with EK or EY are much cheaper. For example, anytime I have checked recently, SNN-MEL (or vice versa) with SQ or CX with two stops connecting at LHR to SNN are generally pretty competative with DUB-MEL on either EK or EY. When I can out here, I got SNN-MEL one way for €690 with CX whereas the best either EK or EY could do was well in excess of €800. My mother and father are thinking of coming out here in September/October and have gotten a price from Abbey Travel of SNN-MEL with MH return for €1,700 for both of them.
[Edited 2013-03-28 14:38:16]
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4041 posts, RR: 13 Reply 145, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 5852 times:
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 144): I don't think anyone here is getting too carried away just yet. The target market for any ME flight to anywhere in Ireland is the huge Irish emmigrant population living mostly in Australia who come from all over Ireland and like the notion of the one stop flight home. As I said above, there are actually smaller airports than SNN currently served by EK. I remember reading a thread here on this very topic quite recently and I recall some airports had less than 1 m passengers per year.
I personally believe there IS indeed a market to be served from an ME airline from the west and south. There will soon be 2 773 and one A332 flight a day leaving DUB for the ME.... that traffic is not all coming from the Dublin / East area. An airline with the right sized aircraft and the right connecting network may be pushing at an open door.
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, 1883 posts, RR: 9 Reply 146, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 5775 times:
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 145): I personally believe there IS indeed a market to be served from an ME airline from the west and south. There will soon be 2 773 and one A332 flight a day leaving DUB for the ME.... that traffic is not all coming from the Dublin / East area. An airline with the right sized aircraft and the right connecting network may be pushing at an open door.
Also, and this is not intended to spark and 'East vs Whest' argument but it is a fact that in times of economic hardship, the west half of the country generally gets affected worse by economic hardships and therefore by emmigration than the eastern half. Indeed the large numberes of people who left the west of Ireland for America over the decades is one of the big driving forces that keeps transatlantic services at SNN. Well this latest recession has not seen as many heading to the UK and USA but a hell of alot heading to Australia and New Zealand. It is therefore resonable that we are at least dicussing this and it wouldn't be the most surprising route announcement if it ever does happen.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
EI137 (DUB-BOS), EI139 (DUB-BOS) and EI125 (DUB-ORD) will clear on arrival in the US.
Odd that no DUB-BOS flight will preclear now. It would be great if the CBP could get around their staffing issues and cater for all flights (at both DUB and SNN). Unlikely though following recent government "sequester" cutbacks in the US.
That is bad news. So the DUB-BOS flights baggage will no longer be on belt 3(domestic). Back to the days of lining up to get thru immigration and customs. I kind of see why the 137 and 125 won't do it(even if they and the 109 are all within 45 mins of each other - maybe too busy!) But why not the 137??
The 11.30 flight can't do it because there is not enough USPC gates, all in use at that time. The BOS and ORD in the afternoon must be down to not enough staff being provided for around 1,000 passengers within 1 Hour, I wonder if the 14.15 to JFK with DL will clear on the days it operates. Would expect it to if staff will be waiting around for the 15.30 EI to JFK.
With West Coast next summer one would wonder will that be clear as it will operate around 10 or 11 am. The simply fact is more gates need to be opened up to pre clear (if possible) and the DAA need to fund some staff wages if they are allowed so all flights can clear. This half assed shambles at the minute is ridiculous but hey its Ireland so would we expect better....
Both the DAA and Aer Lingus are passing the book saying its not their decision on what clears and its the US Gov, yes it is but there are ways around staffing costs etc.
AmricanShamrok From Ireland, joined May 2008, 2625 posts, RR: 0 Reply 149, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 5688 times:
Quoting EIBoston (Reply 147): That is bad news. So the DUB-BOS flights baggage will no longer be on belt 3(domestic). Back to the days of lining up to get thru immigration and customs. I kind of see why the 137 and 125 won't do it(even if they and the 109 are all within 45 mins of each other - maybe too busy!) But why not the 137??
You could always just take the EI135 from SNN - that flight will preclear as normal.
That's a bit astonishing when you think about it. When the US immigration was in T1 Pier B it could simultaneously handle up to eight US-bound flights and I believe there are just six designated preclearance gates now in T2. During the development of the terminal and projected growth patterns of long haul operations did they not take this into account?
2.5 years into the running of T2 and it appears as though another pier is needed to deal with capacity...and all the while T1 is sitting half empty!!!
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4041 posts, RR: 13 Reply 150, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 5690 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 149): That's a bit astonishing when you think about it. When the US immigration was in T1 Pier B it could simultaneously handle up to eight US-bound flights and I believe there are just six designated preclearance gates now in T2. During the development of the terminal and projected growth patterns of long haul operations did they not take this into account?
2.5 years into the running of T2 and it appears as though another pier is needed to deal with capacity...and all the while T1 is sitting half empty!!!
Which would lead me to think the refurbishments at Pier B are being done so that more traffic can be shifted over from Pier E, thus giving more space there for TATL services.
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 148): The 11.30 flight can't do it because there is not enough USPC gates, all in use at that time
It is possible for them to use more than the 6 gates downstairs at US CBP. Upstairs in the main area, it is possible to seal sections of the pier off, thus keeping them "sterile" for US CBP purposes, and these can be accessed by escalator from the lower floor. You may notice the large sliding glass partitions on either side of the Pier. The problem is, if you only need to use one gate for a US flight, you would lose perhaps 3 other gates for short haul flights.
The real solution here is to shift EK and possibly EY over to Pier B - some EI short haul already uses it.
The CBP facility itself can be expanded - they just need to extend it out onto part of the apron, and would probably not even lose a stand in having to do so. But, if the US wont staff it, then there's the problem.
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
Jamie2k9 From Ireland, joined Jan 2012, 80 posts, RR: 0 Reply 151, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 5683 times:
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 150): It is possible for them to use more than the 6 gates downstairs at US CBP. Upstairs in the main area, it is possible to seal sections of the pier off, thus keeping them "sterile" for US CBP purposes, and these can be accessed by escalator from the lower floor. You may notice the large sliding glass partitions on either side of the Pier. The problem is, if you only need to use one gate for a US flight, you would lose perhaps 3 other gates for short haul flights.
Work at Pier D and only in T2 as a passenger most of the time, will be flying in the next 2 weeks so will look out for it. Now using extra gates needs to happen next summer. So if expanding closes off 3 gates then it has to happen take summer 2014 the new West Coast flight and the current 11.30 to BOS so that's 2 out of a possible 3 gates being used so this will have to happen in 2014 at least.
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 150): The real solution here is to shift EK and possibly EY over to Pier B - some EI short haul already uses it.
Doing up Pier B is good but is there a real need for these to move, yes the very large aircraft is an issue but EK doesn't arrive until 12.15 in summer and that's when most T/A are gone and not to many EI Short Hauls departing. EY are in and out before the large volume of T/A departures. EI will always have to use Pier B in morning and nights until another Pier is built at T2 which is a long time off. That's why I don't think that EK and EY moving will have any affects on current operations so is there a real need to move them in theory EK I expect will want a lounge so they may move for that reason in future.
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 150): The CBP facility itself can be expanded - they just need to extend it out onto part of the apron, and would probably not even lose a stand in having to do so. But, if the US wont staff it, then there's the problem.
I see but did I read that their is a very large empty space down around there to and lets say if another 3 gates were used could the current facility cope of would extra room need to be made for that. I wouldn't think its a case of the US not staffing it but the cost involved. I think the DAA should be working with them to have it sorted out. If Air India came to town I'm sure there would not be a staffing problem.
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1883 posts, RR: 9 Reply 152, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 5737 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 149): With West Coast next summer one would wonder will that be clear as it will operate around 10 or 11 am. The simply fact is more gates need to be opened up to pre clear (if possible) and the DAA need to fund some staff wages if they are allowed so all flights can clear. This half assed shambles at the minute is ridiculous but hey its Ireland so would we expect better....
Although the reasons why are clear, it still beggers belief that a solution cannot be found. What is the point in the DAA and EI using the pre-clearance facility as a big selling point if not every flight is guaranteed to preclear? Could you imagine how annoyed someone who booked a flight say from the UK to USA via DUB on the expectation that the preclearance would make things alot more convenient only to discover that having made what probably was an avoidable stopover only to find themselves in a 1 hour long queue at BOS to clear emmigration? Surely as someone already pointed out the DAA, EI and US Authorities could come to some sort of agreement where staffing costs are shared amongst the three parties in order to allow all flights to preclear?
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4041 posts, RR: 13 Reply 153, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 5733 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 151): I see but did I read that their is a very large empty space down around there to and lets say if another 3 gates were used could the current facility cope of would extra room need to be made for that. I wouldn't think its a case of the US not staffing it but the cost involved. I think the DAA should be working with them to have it sorted out. If Air India came to town I'm sure there would not be a staffing problem.
I was referring more to the area where the actual CBP desks are located - you coudl expand that and add further lanes if that is where the pinch point is, but if they wont staff it, then that's the issue rather than the physical size of the place.
I'd imagine staffing is expensive for the US authorities - they need to move their own nationals across from the states, which probably means they must pay the staff some expenses, plus a probable generous wage to make the move worthwhile. That said, if it's a matter of adding 1 euro to each ticket sold to pay that cost, then I could not really see that being a problem!
Clealy BOS has been chosen for no pre-clear due to the lack of competition on the route, and probably also to lower numbers of connections from Europe travelling to BOS? You'd imagine BOS would be more of an O&D route?
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
dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1358 posts, RR: 3 Reply 154, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 5609 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 133): Anyone see an Air Corps Pilatus over the city centre at about 12.30? Didn't know acft were allowed to fly over the city centre (or does the exclusion zone apply to military aircraft?)
Preparing for the Easter Parade flypast - it made multiple passes, in previous years we had the usual four ship rehersal.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 155, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 5575 times:
Good news for the Aran Islands service :
Aran Islands air service gets €1.8m lifeline
The Government has thrown the three Aran Islands a lifeline by deciding to continue to subsidise air services there.
The move follows a vocal campaign by the islanders from Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr who have been campaigning over the past number of months for the retention of the air service.
Check in the night before with Aer Lingus Terminal 2 :
If your flight departs Dublin Airport between 06:00-08:00 in the morning, you can now check-in at the airport between 16:00-20:00 the evening before.
This new service is available for both Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional flights. Regardless of the terminal your flight will depart from the following day, all bags need to be dropped in Terminal 2 when availing of this early check-in facility.
EIBoston From Ireland, joined Sep 2006, 417 posts, RR: 0 Reply 156, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 5529 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 149):
Quoting EIBoston (Reply 147):
That is bad news. So the DUB-BOS flights baggage will no longer be on belt 3(domestic). Back to the days of lining up to get thru immigration and customs. I kind of see why the 137 and 125 won't do it(even if they and the 109 are all within 45 mins of each other - maybe too busy!) But why not the 137??
You could always just take the EI135 from SNN - that flight will preclear as normal.
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1634 posts, RR: 2 Reply 157, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 5555 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 148): Both the DAA and Aer Lingus are passing the book saying its not their decision on what clears and its the US Gov, yes it is but there are ways around staffing costs etc.
I have heard tht the EI CEO is pretty fed up with the intransience of the US authorities on increasing staff numbers at DUB.
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 152): What is the point in the DAA and EI using the pre-clearance facility as a big selling point if not every flight is guaranteed to preclear?
At present EI are unable to 'sell' pre-clearance as not 100% of flights are processed in DUB. With the new arrangements,while not great or BOS pax at least EI can now market pre-clearance on all JFK services. And from what I hear BOS queues are fine compared to JFK.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 158, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day ago) and read 5509 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 157): At present EI are unable to 'sell' pre-clearance as not 100% of flights are processed in DUB. With the new arrangements,while not great or BOS pax at least EI can now market pre-clearance on all JFK services. And from what I hear BOS queues are fine compared to JFK.
Its often confusing for passengers though and EI* should clearly state what flight does and does not at time of booking. For some they may choose an EI direct over a connection Via LHR due to the perception that it pre clears only to get to the airport and find it doesnt.
* That also applies to all airlines using the CBP.
[Edited 2013-03-29 04:49:45]
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
clydenairways From Ireland, joined Jan 2007, 1022 posts, RR: 0 Reply 159, posted (2 months 3 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 5430 times:
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 145):
I personally believe there IS indeed a market to be served from an ME airline from the west and south. There will soon be 2 773 and one A332 flight a day leaving DUB for the ME.... that traffic is not all coming from the Dublin / East area. An airline with the right sized aircraft and the right connecting network may be pushing at an open door.
I'm still not convinced there is enough of a market as even the 3 most popular hubs AMS,CDG and FRA have not been able to sustain or attract viable connections from SNN.
Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 146): Also, and this is not intended to spark and 'East vs Whest' argument but it is a fact that in times of economic hardship, the west half of the country generally gets affected worse by economic hardships and therefore by emmigration than the eastern half. Indeed the large numberes of people who left the west of Ireland for America over the decades is one of the big driving forces that keeps transatlantic services at SNN. Well this latest recession has not seen as many heading to the UK and USA but a hell of alot heading to Australia and New Zealand. It is therefore resonable that we are at least dicussing this and it wouldn't be the most surprising route announcement if it ever does happen.
Even without the emigrant business we would probably still have EK and EY serving DUB as there is still enough diversity of customer requirements to elsewhere throughout Asia.
I don't think a service primarily based on emigrant business would be viable in it's own right. Perhaps Turkish might be the best chance if they keep growing at the rate they are and have smaller aircraft such as the 737 which could make SNN.
Anyway best of luck to SNN Marketing in their quest for an Eastern connection, it would be a major coup if got this one and would show that they are up for the job of targeting new business for SNN's future.
nightfox365 From Ireland, joined Jul 2011, 36 posts, RR: 0 Reply 161, posted (2 months 3 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 5221 times:
Just for everyones information, I started a plane spotting club last year. We meet every month. The last Saturday of every month. We are meeting at Dublin tomorrow. This is not just plane spotting in Dublin though, there will be spotting trips to other airports around Ireland, and in the future hopefully around Europe too. We have a facebook page and web site. The web site is: http://irishplanespottersclub.net
the facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/IrishPlaneSpottersClub
It is free to join, and I am always enthusiastic to meet like minded people. It is fun plane spotting by yourself, but even more fun with people who also enjoy it.
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11995 posts, RR: 36 Reply 162, posted (2 months 3 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 5217 times:
Quoting KL911 (Reply 160):
Jet2.com Flight 535 Newcastle to Cork has turned around just before reaching the Irish coast and is heading back to NCL where it is landing now.
New arrival time is 18:30 instead of 16:50. Aircraft was a 733, and I remember in Budapest there were always problems with Jet2.com's 733's.
Well, they have some of the eldest 737s in the business; most are from the mid to late 1980s, so if they're serious about staying in the lo-co business, they'd want to think about renewing their fleet. Trouble is, maintenance cost will just rise and rise.
Quoting nightfox365 (Reply 161): Just for everyones information, I started a plane spotting club last year. We meet every month. The last Saturday of every month. We are meeting at Dublin tomorrow. This is not just plane spotting in Dublin though, there will be spotting trips to other airports around Ireland, and in the future hopefully around Europe too. We have a facebook page and web site. The web site is: http://irishplanespottersclub.net
the facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/IrishPlaneSpottersClub
It is free to join, and I am always enthusiastic to meet like minded people. It is fun plane spotting by yourself, but even more fun with people who also enjoy it.
Brilliant idea; well done. Hope it goes very well. I'm hoping to head out to the airport on Monday, myself.
Jambost From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 216 posts, RR: 0 Reply 163, posted (2 months 3 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 5213 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 96): Why would they not have AGP and FAO at daily and 6 weekly, there has being no capacity change to these destionations apart from a Belfast Airport.
I thought with the slight market change EI would have commenced with caution, I guess I focused too much on BHD 's negative factors.
Quoting KL911 (Reply 160): Aircraft was a 733, and I remember in Budapest there were always problems with Jet2.com's 733's.
An ageing fleet will always cause trouble, I remember noticing a very lengthy delay on their BFS - PDV ski charter.
There was a thread discussing their possible fleet renewal but LS seem to be in no hurry to do so. I imagine A319 's will eventually start phasing out the classic 300's. I think 800's would be too big to fill on some of weaker routes, If not I am sure FR could help supply some 2nd hand birds.
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, 1883 posts, RR: 9 Reply 164, posted (2 months 3 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 5050 times:
Quoting KL911 (Reply 160): Anyway best of luck to SNN Marketing in their quest for an Eastern connection, it would be a major coup if got this one and would show that they are up for the job of targeting new business for SNN's future.
Agreed. You can be sure it is something they are working on and I guess the only way anyone can ever be convined either way is to give it a go and see how it pans out.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
EIBusiness From Ireland, joined Feb 2010, 626 posts, RR: 8 Reply 165, posted (2 months 3 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 5019 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 126): So 4x 2.5% yearly increases. Seems pretty similar to the increase that EI is currently withholding from their own staff due to the unresolved pension issue.
It's nice to see this wage increase being implemented by FR - whose employees have both facilitated and contributed directly to tremendous passenger and top line revenue growth at the airline in recent years.
However - I don't think that we can draw parallels with EI for the following reason:
Should the company make a material one time contribution to the increasingly toxic pension deficit - then we can be almost certain that previously agreed upon mutli-annual wage agreements will be altered. Yes - EI has been an operationally profitable and positive cash generating business for the past more than 24 months now (on an FY basis). However - the Operating Margin is still a relatively narrow one. Any agreement on the Pension deficit will be complemented with enhanced cost containment requirements across all areas of the company - with one key focus area being that of direct employee costs.
kaitak From Ireland, joined Aug 1999, 11995 posts, RR: 36 Reply 166, posted (2 months 2 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 4626 times:
Rumours circulating that EI is negotiating to swap some of its A350 production slots for A321NEOs, to be first to operate the latter on ETOPs flights. Aim is to get the 321NEOs in operation by 2016. First A350s currently expected in 2015. Would be very disappointing if they were pushed back!
Not (apparently) cancelling the 350s, just pushing them down the road a bit, as CM is said to feel they are a bit too big (which surprises me, given success of t/a routes recently).
How long are the 757s being leased for, again? (Was it 3 or 4 years).
Anyone heard anything else (that they can share here!)?
I think this makes sense. The 757s (as per rumours!) are for three years, I think. Introduction of A321 NEO in 2016 would tie nicely with that. As for the A350, I still don't believe EI needs them. The current route network can be reached at full load by the 333s and even the west coast can probably be reached too. Certainly not far off. The west coast (if it happens) probably does not need the lift of the A359, at least at first. The 332 is probably a better mix of capacity and capability, so in that sense, the A350 probably is "too big".
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)
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6124 posts, RR: 15 Reply 168, posted (2 months 2 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 4506 times:
The NEO family makes perfect sense for Aer Lingus it's a natural replacement for the bulk of the short haul fleet while having the added bonus of complementing the long haul fleet in the shape of A321NEOs based at SNN, DUB and even potentially ORK in the future. Being one of, if not the first A321NEO carrier across the Atlantic while pushing the A350s back a couple of years seems reasonable as the majority of the A330 fleet won't need replacing until much later in the decade rather than the middle which is currently the plan with the 2015 delivery dates.
The A330s will still need replacing and the A350 seems the only real solution with a complementing fleet of smaller A330s and sub fleet of A321s.
Quoting kaitak (Reply 166): Not (apparently) cancelling the 350s, just pushing them down the road a bit, as CM is said to feel they are a bit too big (which surprises me, given success of t/a routes recently).
I think CM said that well over a year ago now, he said the aircraft was fine for east coast but too large for new markets which is still true to an extent and it doesn't give them much room to manoeuvre but I think the recent strength of the long haul routes reinforce the idea that the A350s are a suitable aircraft for EI so long as they don't have to rely on them completely. An order for A321NEOs shows willing to diversify the fleet and enable growth from both SNN and DUB year round.
I think we'll hear more when the 757 plan is announced.
eicvd From Ireland, joined Mar 2008, 2076 posts, RR: 5 Reply 170, posted (2 months 2 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 4496 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 169): Was just passing the airport and was a case of right time right place saw EI-DEO in full VS colours taking off to MAN as EI982 . Looked fab !
Some people have all the luck was hoping to see it yesterday when I was over there.
Dublin, where Sam Maguire will be coming home to in mid September
Jamie2k9 From Ireland, joined Jan 2012, 80 posts, RR: 0 Reply 173, posted (2 months 2 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 4254 times:
Aer Lingus will drop the newly added fourth daily BHD-LGW from 28 April, DUB-LGW will increase to 7 daily as a result. Not a surprise the route is under preforming and I will be surprised if its around for winter and if it is I expect it to be 2 daily at most.
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6124 posts, RR: 15 Reply 174, posted (2 months 2 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 4241 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 173):
Aer Lingus will drop the newly added fourth daily BHD-LGW from 28 April, DUB-LGW will increase to 7 daily as a result. Not a surprise the route is under preforming and I will be surprised if its around for winter and if it is I expect it to be 2 daily at most.
It was a strange route to begin with, they should have concentrated on LHR and new European services from the beginning. LGW has never been a great airport for EI anyway, only DUB and NOC have worked.
Jamie2k9 From Ireland, joined Jan 2012, 80 posts, RR: 0 Reply 175, posted (2 months 2 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 4223 times:
I agree but I can't see many European routes being viable from Belfast in general, EI have tried a lot. Loads of LGW have being very poor and yield just as bad. Supose it doesn't match EI's model of supply and demand as well as maximize revenue per seat, I don't think it will be the end of EI at BHD but I have a feeling LGW will be dropped soon.
The advantage of being at the city airport could prove useful though, with zero competition to Europe at the airport. They should give AMS and Maybe CDG a go.
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
Indeed and with the A319 now instead of the A320 that was at BFS when they operated. I don't think EI will take the risk though. Will be intresting to see what the winter schedules look like.
I guess they would have had access to how BMIbaby did on their AMS route too. Hard to see how it wouldnt work though, but Belfast is an odd market like that.
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
Aer Lingus take stats from Bmibaby, I would hope that Christoph Mueller and Co. would have more sense as decisions that don't wouldn't hold a bright future for Aer Lingus. BHD-AMS hadn't great loads and it was certain to be loss making. Could the elephant in the room be Easyjet. One would expect EI to be able to compete with them if they can do it very well with Ryanair. There is LGW Easyjet largest base and EI's base there..., there is EZY BFS-LGW route with largely lost no passengers to EI service from BHD and they increased it to. If EI come on AMS EZY will increase it like they did with BmiBaby did and WW dropped the number of flights just a few months in from 7 to 3 or 4 weekly. The biggest loser on LGW is BE yields and some passengers. Otherwise its EI who I expect are making major losses. The sun routes look positive loads wise at the minute but just hope that yields are good. I don't watch the pricing that used to be from BFS so I can't make a comment on the difference at BHD although that doesn't give any real facts about routes.
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 180, posted (2 months 2 weeks 6 days ago) and read 4012 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 179): BHD-AMS hadn't great loads and it was certain to be loss making. Could the elephant in the room be Easyjet. One would expect EI to be able to compete with them if they can do it very well with Ryanair. There is LGW Easyjet largest base and EI's base there..., there is EZY BFS-LGW route with largely lost no passengers to EI service from BHD and they increased it to. If EI come on AMS EZY will increase it like they did with BmiBaby did and WW dropped the number of flights just a few months in from 7 to 3 or 4 weekly.
And don't forget KLM will start AMS-BFS soon, no doubt stealing a lot of corporate traffic.
Jambost From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 216 posts, RR: 0 Reply 181, posted (2 months 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 3973 times:
KLM to BHD and April 1st looming.... I do hope that thought is wrong and certainly hope that KLM with smaller aircraft can succeed where others have failed.
I am confident EI will succeed to settle into BHD serving LHR and other international hot spots. Best of luck to them and to their first AGP flight due to be airborne in ten minutes!
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, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 182, posted (2 months 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 3927 times:
Quoting eicvd (Reply 170): Some people have all the luck was hoping to see it yesterday when I was over there.
Yeah I know thought I was seeing things. Had to look twice Seen a pic taken a few hours ago from the interior and the mood lighting looks cool. Weird to see VS staff in an A320 cabin too.
Beannachtaí na Cásca oraibh!
Take off video someone posted on Youtube from yesterday :
LHR-BHD seams to be on sale for December but LGW isn't.
Hope they are still operating from Gatwick to Belfast in December, if not I will of missed the chance to fly EI and it will be yet again it will be FlyBe!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 184, posted (2 months 2 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 3857 times:
Quoting Richcandy (Reply 183): LHR-BHD seams to be on sale for December but LGW isn't.
The main codeshare routes are always loaded before the others. LHR AMS being a prime example. It doesnt mean a route is cancelled as EI often loads the others late.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
KL911 From Ireland, joined Jul 2003, 4993 posts, RR: 13 Reply 185, posted (2 months 2 weeks 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 3720 times:
Quoting Jambost (Reply 181): KLM to BHD and April 1st looming.... I do hope that thought is wrong and certainly hope that KLM with smaller aircraft can succeed where others have failed.
I think you are right, I just found this quote online, from last week:
"KLM has denied reports that is starting scheduled flights from George Best Belfast City Airport to Amsterdam."
Jamie2k9 From Ireland, joined Jan 2012, 80 posts, RR: 0 Reply 186, posted (2 months 2 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 3448 times:
Today was the first flight between Dublin and Corfu which diverted to Athens, passegners just left dumped while the return flight positioned back to DUB, over 12 hours lather an passengers still not arrived in Corfu. Not contact information for Aer Lingus and its is very bad customer service. In general EI need to address there diversion procedures as its not the first case of treatment like this.
Meanwhile TFS-DUB on Sat some passengers became ill.
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4041 posts, RR: 13 Reply 187, posted (2 months 2 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 3446 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 186): Not contact information for Aer Lingus and its is very bad customer service. In general EI need to address there diversion procedures as its not the first case of treatment like this.
I get the impression EI have a very hard time getting handling agents to deal with their pax in these situations.
Do you know why the flight diverted to ATH?
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, 11995 posts, RR: 36 Reply 188, posted (2 months 2 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 3439 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 186): Article says 179 passengers an 6 crew, I expect they have included the crew in passenger count by mistake?
Could be a few infants in parents' laps, which could bring it to 179?
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 186): Today was the first flight between Dublin and Corfu which diverted to Athens, passegners just left dumped while the return flight positioned back to DUB, over 12 hours lather an passengers still not arrived in Corfu. Not contact information for Aer Lingus and its is very bad customer service. In general EI need to address there diversion procedures as its not the first case of treatment like this.
Jamie2k9 From Ireland, joined Jan 2012, 80 posts, RR: 0 Reply 189, posted (2 months 2 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 3436 times:
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 187): I get the impression EI have a very hard time getting handling agents to deal with their pax in these situations.
Do you know why the flight diverted to ATH?
Weather related Fog AFAIK but in general CFU tens to suffer from poor visibility.
If that is the issue with ground handles then there should be a customer service line that links in with operations at DUB 24/7. If its the communications with ground handlers is the problem words need to be had or even change handlers. Handles in ATH can't afford to lose what few contracts they have with carriers. I would accept this problem if Aer Lingus didn't operate to that airport but they do. This customer service is on power with Ryanair and I will go as far to say that Ryanair would and have being more helpful is such cases. This is an are that needs to be addressed if EI want to keep a high customer service levels. Swisspoint have a large contract for EI in Europe so they should provide better service level.
Quoting kaitak (Reply 188): Could be a few infants in parents' laps, which could bring it to 179?
Didn't even think about that so expect that is the case.
shamrock604 From Ireland, joined Sep 2007, 4041 posts, RR: 13 Reply 190, posted (2 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 3423 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 189): If that is the issue with ground handles then there should be a customer service line that links in with operations at DUB 24/7. If its the communications with ground handlers is the problem words need to be had or even change handlers. Handles in ATH can't afford to lose what few contracts they have with carriers. I would accept this problem if Aer Lingus didn't operate to that airport but they do. This customer service is on power with Ryanair and I will go as far to say that Ryanair would and have being more helpful is such cases. This is an are that needs to be addressed if EI want to keep a high customer service levels. Swisspoint have a large contract for EI in Europe so they should provide better service level.
I agree, its absolutely not good enough. I can understand the operational decision to reposition the aircraft back to DUB - it is very possible an extra sector could have put the crew out of hours and thus grounded the aircraft, possibly affecting further flights. The problem arises in not getting pax to CFU quickly enough by an alternative means.
However, having a customer service line to Operations Control is a no-no - the people there cant be expected to deal with 174 screaming pax one after the other and to fix the problem and run the rest of the schedule at the same time. By all means though have customer services accesible to OCC so they know what it is going on.
I think the problem with EI is that it's not enough of a "big hitter" at many stations to get decent treatment from handling agents.
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
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 191, posted (2 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 3278 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 186): Today was the first flight between Dublin and Corfu which diverted to Athens, passegners just left dumped while the return flight positioned back to DUB, over 12 hours lather an passengers still not arrived in Corfu.
Well there is no reason for this as regular Domestics run and even EI could have chartered an aircraft from A3/OA at very short notice. Other airlines have done it.
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 189): If its the communications with ground handlers is the problem words need to be had or even change handlers. Handles in ATH can't afford to lose what few contracts they have with carriers.
ATH is a 24/7 airport and handlers are used to diversions at all hours of the day/night.Other carriers dont seem to have issues so it seems its an Aer Lingus issue. BTW there are more than just a few contracts at ATH. Quite a sizeable amount for your information. Handling agents can only go by the instructions from the clients!
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
EagleBoy From Niue, joined Dec 2009, 1634 posts, RR: 2 Reply 192, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 3184 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 191): BTW there are more than just a few contracts at ATH. Quite a szeable amount for your information. Handling agents can only go by the instructions from the clients!
I have witnessed the shoddy behaviour of handling agents for EI in several Spanish airports. In ALC for example both FR and EI are handled by Menzies, the staff attitude to pax seems to be the same. I have seen shocking behaviour in both ALC and AGP.
Personally I feel that EI need to spell out their requirements to handling agents and conduct regular checks, in this case (Corfu/ATH) Afterall they are supposed to differentiate themselves from FR and the like. But perhaps this is a symptom of the EI post-Greenfield disease, they reduced costs across the board without looking at possible reprecusions.
If they are willing to pay out 1 million Euro in denied boarding compensation in 2013 (due to planned overbookings) then they should be willing to instruct their handling agents to deal with incidents like this.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 193, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 3147 times:
Quoting EagleBoy (Reply 192): I have witnessed the shoddy behaviour of handling agents for EI in several Spanish airports. In ALC for example both FR and EI are handled by Menzies, the staff attitude to pax seems to be the same. I have seen shocking behaviour in both ALC and AGP.
Indeed as a regular passenger I see it from a customer point of view and I can tell you being top status doesnt always result in the advertised benefits promised by the said carrier either. I have had my fair share of run ins with handling agents at DUB and other stations. Usually resolved after getting back home via customer services but these things should not happen in the first place. There should be clear criteria for check in agents and boarding agents ( often the same people ) to adhere to. Where they fail to deliver then management and staff training should be followed on a disciplinary scale if need be. The problem is these days its a case of you get what you pay for. DUB being 70% of my departure point these days does seem to be getting more less product focused. It would be interesting to be a fly on the wall at these so called training sessions. A friend of mine went for a job and got it last year and said he knew more about the said airlines product than the trainer! Says it all really. There is no attention to detail in many cases.
With regards to EI they really should not be leaving passengers for these lengths of time. Of course we dont know all the details but one would hope that in these cases HQ in DUB would be in constant touch with the manager of the handling agent or supervisor and asking what passengers had been offered and what plan of action was in place being updated every hour. Hotels/Meals/rebooking etc... Its not rocket science.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
EIBoston From Ireland, joined Sep 2006, 417 posts, RR: 0 Reply 194, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 3071 times:
See EI cancelled EI139 to BOS today. Flight status says it was cancelled for technical reasons. I guess that is one way of putting it as EI only have 6 l/h aircraft in use right now and 7 t/a flight scheduled for today and Wednesday. This strikes me as very poor management of maintenance and schedules. The schedule has been known for some time yet EI-DUO only went to France for maintenance on March 19th. Not sure when it is due back.
Jamie2k9 From Ireland, joined Jan 2012, 80 posts, RR: 0 Reply 197, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 2904 times:
Quoting EIBoston (Reply 194): See EI cancelled EI139 to BOS today. Flight status says it was cancelled for technical reasons. I guess that is one way of putting it as EI only have 6 l/h aircraft in use right now and 7 t/a flight scheduled for today and Wednesday. This strikes me as very poor management of maintenance and schedules. The schedule has been known for some time yet EI-DUO only went to France for maintenance on March 19th. Not sure when it is due back.
Think there may of being an air con issue on one of the A330's over the weekend, not sure may of being a short haul one, wasn't paying much attention/
Quoting shamrock604 (Reply 190): However, having a customer service line to Operations Control is a no-no - the people there cant be expected to deal with 174 screaming pax one after the other and to fix the problem and run the rest of the schedule at the same time. By all means though have customer services accesible to OCC so they know what it is going on.
Well somebody to take calls out side of normal hours to deal with issues like this.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 191): BTW there are more than just a few contracts at ATH. Quite a sizeable amount for your information.
Carriers have being closing ATH routes for months now so there is far less this year than last summer.
EIBoston From Ireland, joined Sep 2006, 417 posts, RR: 0 Reply 198, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 2878 times:
Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 197): Think there may of being an air con issue on one of the A330's over the weekend, not sure may of being a short haul one, wasn't paying much attention/
EI-DUO is still in France getting wi-fi installed but is due back over the few days. Got a detailed PM explaining what was going on here.
Jambost From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 216 posts, RR: 0 Reply 200, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 2805 times:
Quoting KL911 (Reply 185):
"KLM has denied reports that is starting scheduled flights from George Best Belfast City Airport to Amsterdam.
That settles it for me, another rumour dead and buried, I wonder what will surface next? Perhaps QR announcing BHD - DOH with an A319LR? or BA LCY - BHD - JFK
Happy April fools day to all!
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, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 201, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 2794 times:
Quoting Jambost (Reply 202): BHD - DOH with an A319LR? or BA LCY - BHD - JFK
You mean you didnt know Mind you I remember when the BFS base was rumoured and then it was denied by EI only to become reality later. You never know in this industry until its announced.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Jamie2k9 From Ireland, joined Jan 2012, 80 posts, RR: 0 Reply 203, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 2562 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 201): I know the numbers and they are more than just a few . Also I'm sure you know the list of the new carriers and routes including charters. You were the one that said ''few'' so I'm just pulling you up on that . Don't over dramatise things. I'm quite aware of the carriers reduced and some that have pulled out totally but new carriers and routes have also opened up and addresses the balance and contracts some what.
Been very quiet and nothing loaded. Maybe its in limbo or planned for the Winter. I was looking forward to seeing them back in DUB but nothing more has been mentioned since government approval last year.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 205, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 2334 times:
A very worthy cause and kudos for MOL for making this donation :
Ryanair boss gives €200k to fund for McNamara
RYANAIR chief Michael O'Leary has donated €200,000 to a fund to support paralysed Limerick jockey JT McNamara, as riders led a round of applause for their injured colleague at Fairyhouse.
---
RYANAIR LAUNCHES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL EXPRESS
Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost carrier (ULCC), today (28 Mar) announced a new partnership with Europe’s largest scheduled coach operator, National Express, offering Ryanair passengers travelling to/from London and Manchester affordable and direct coach travel.
tonymctigue From Ireland, joined Feb 2006, 1883 posts, RR: 9 Reply 206, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days ago) and read 2228 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 205): A very worthy cause and kudos for MOL for making this donation :
I know MoL draws his fair share of stick from many of us here but fair play to him for putting his hand in his own pocket to help out someone like that.
Next Flights CX178 MEL-HKG; CX257 HKG-LHR; EI387 LHR-SNN
EIBoston From Ireland, joined Sep 2006, 417 posts, RR: 0 Reply 207, posted (2 months 2 weeks 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 2164 times:
So now that the EI l/h fleet have all been fitted with the infrastructure to support inflight wifi, does anybody have any details for cost etc. According to EI's website, the service will commence in May but I don't see anything related to cost etc? This is a really positive step and look forward to using the service.
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6124 posts, RR: 15 Reply 208, posted (2 months 2 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 1968 times:
Had a nice flight with Aer Lingus on Monday, aircraft was nearly full but the LHR lounge was completely and I was in there for an hour, I suppose there's very few business passengers on Easter Monday? Crew on board were very good, I had pre-booked the breakfast and was the first served, top marks there! There was a slight problem with the rest of the service as none of the new menus or Cara magazines had been loaded onto the aircraft so a lot of the items weren't available and alternatives had to be offered, I take it the aircraft overnighted in LHR and needed to get the new menus and magazines in DUB?
Aircraft was EI-CVC which is coming up to 12 years old so I wasn't expecting much on the inside but it looked in fine condition, tidy and no sign of that yellow glow on the side walls that often seem to plague older aircraft. DUB was incredibly quiet on arrival though, all the long hauls were parked and the LHR flight before us had landed a while ago so I was out of the terminal in less than 10 minutes.
Quoting EIBoston (Reply 207):
So now that the EI l/h fleet have all been fitted with the infrastructure to support inflight wifi, does anybody have any details for cost etc. According to EI's website, the service will commence in May but I don't see anything related to cost etc? This is a really positive step and look forward to using the service.
I was originally against the idea of charging for it but this could be the better option and make it easier to use overall, a free service could see an entire cabin full of people attempting to log on at the same time making it a very slow connection, Norwegian have a free but very slow wifi service apparently.
The SFO rumour is going around Twitter again, staff (doesn't specify who) informed the CEO of a San Francisco based business that it would start in October. Aer Lingus have gone far enough to dismiss the rumour today.
The fact they've dismissed it could very well indicate it is happening, the spokesperson mentions the 2014 transatlantic schedule won't be finalised until June at the earliest and it's no secret that Aer Lingus have been evaluating it for at least two years now.
shamrock350 From Ireland, joined Mar 2005, 6124 posts, RR: 15 Reply 210, posted (2 months 2 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 1846 times:
Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 209): It seems just three aircraft have so far been fitted with Wi-Fi (anyone know which three?) - the last one will be fitted in May:
I think you can tell by the large bump on the roof after the aircraft have been fitted, I saw EI-DUZ yesterday with one which it didn't have earlier this year and I've also seen EI-DAA with this wifi bump.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25112 posts, RR: 60 Reply 211, posted (2 months 2 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 1743 times:
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 208):
I was originally against the idea of charging for it but this could be the better option and make it easier to use overall, a free service could see an entire cabin full of people attempting to log on at the same time making it a very slow connection, Norwegian have a free but very slow wifi service apparently.
I think if they charge around $25/EUR20 per flight it would be fair enough. I just hope that they dont have the crazy low MB allowance that some airlines have.
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EIBoston From Ireland, joined Sep 2006, 417 posts, RR: 0 Reply 214, posted (2 months 2 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 1535 times:
Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 210): Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 209):
It seems just three aircraft have so far been fitted with Wi-Fi (anyone know which three?) - the last one will be fitted in May:
I think you can tell by the large bump on the roof after the aircraft have been fitted, I saw EI-DUZ yesterday with one which it didn't have earlier this year and I've also seen EI-DAA with this wifi bump.
All 7 330's have been in France over the Winter season. I think they are all ready to go for wi-fi now. (EI-DUO being in France twice - first for it's C-check and then for the wifi install the last 2 weeks. Got that in a PM from a regular A-netter)
Yes I would imagine that premium customers will get this as part of their fare. Commoners such as myself will have to cough up
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on both of my BA flights last summer (my first with BA) the aircraft departed (as in pushed back from the gate) while passengers were still in the aisles getting settled and stowing bags. It obviously wouldn't majorly disrupt passengers' travel experience but it does have the potential to cause serious injury.
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