Irish lessor Avolon 'can weather storms' as it posts $717m profit

The Dublin-based aircraft lessor Avolon has posted record profits of $717m (€634m) for 2018, a 30pc year-on-year rise.

Chief executive and co-founder Dómhnal Slattery said the group had executed a number of key objectives last year, including Avolon's continued work to achieve an investment grade rating.

Lease revenue at Avolon rose 10pc to $2.56bn (€2.26bn) last year, while it generated net cash of $2.2bn (€1.94bn) from its operating activities.

https://m.independent.ie/business/irish ... 13853.html

—-

Dublin-based ASL Aviation to be sold in €150m-plus deal

European fund manager Star Capital has agreed to buy Dublin-based ASL Aviation in a deal likely worth at least €150m.

A global aviation services company, ASL operates a fleet of 130 aircraft and its operations include cargo and passenger activities. Its customers include Aer Lingus.

https://m.independent.ie/business/dubli ... 13818.html

OA260 wrote:

Ryanair to launch frequent flyer service from €199 per year

It looks similar to easyJet plus, also £199 a year.
- Select any seat on the plane free of charge
- Dedicated bag drop desks.
- Fast Track Security (selected airports, 43 airports listed, including AMS, CDG, LGW, STN, LTN, SEN, I think most UK airports and major easyJet bases)
- Speedy/Priority Barding
- Second Cabin Bag
- Free change to earlier flight
- Price Promise.

The response from Aer Lingus will be interesting. The easyJet product is arguably superior to AerClub, with better seat selection options, free changes, etc. For weekly travellers its a no-brainer. Great to see such a product in the Irish market.

I thought EI-RJH was getting the full EI livery this year? Skyliner has it positioning to Reykjavik for a new operator.

CarbonFibre wrote:

I thought EI-RJH was getting the full EI livery this year? Skyliner has it positioning to Reykjavik for a new operator.

Sold to ConAir of Canada to become a water bomber

BMI Regional enters bankruptcy at 18.30pm today
Source - BBC and BMI Regional
Any benefit to cityjet/Stobart?
Seems BREXIT bites again

The Derry to London PSO should be up for grabs.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern- ... t-47268249

Would EIR be intetested with the ongoing brexit mess?
Stobart, Loganair realistically should be favourites to take over but could they on such short notice?

Shannon had the worst punctuality record of Ireland's main airports last year

NEW FIGURES SHOW that Shannon Airport had the worst on-time performance of the island of Ireland’s main airports last year – which the County Clare hub attributed to its high volume of long-haul traffic.

Data compiled by UK-based aviation analytics firm OAG suggest that, on average, just under 32% of all flights at the Clare hub were delayed in 2018.
OAG, which provides information to airlines, airports, government agencies and travel companies, measures on-time performance based on whether a flight arrived or departed within 15 minutes of its scheduled time. It is one of several data sets monitored by the aviation industry.
The figures show that Shannon was also the worst performer in 2017, when just over a quarter of its flights didn’t arrive or depart on time. This indicates that its on-time performance declined by 5.1 percentage points year-on-year.

www.thejournal.ie/shannon-airport-fligh ... 8-Feb2019/

What’s with the Frankfurt cancellations? EI656/657 on 1 Feb cancelled. EI656/657 on 8 Feb cancelled. Both announced on the day. EI656/657 cancelled on 27 Feb. Got word this morning that EI650/651 cancelled on 25 February. Rang EI Concierge line this morning and was told that the flight on the 25th was probably down to slot restrictions. I find that hard to believe. I rebooked myself with Ryanair at 8am on the 25th. Does anybody know what’s going on?

Pilots?
Aircraft?
If you already hold the slots why any restrictions?
EI being Irish again!!!!

airfinglas wrote:

What’s with the Frankfurt cancellations? EI656/657 on 1 Feb cancelled. EI656/657 on 8 Feb cancelled. Both announced on the day. EI656/657 cancelled on 27 Feb. Got word this morning that EI650/651 cancelled on 25 February. Rang EI Concierge line this morning and was told that the flight on the 25th was probably down to slot restrictions. I find that hard to believe. I rebooked myself with Ryanair at 8am on the 25th. Does anybody know what’s going on?

There were a series of strikes at German airports (Frankfurt included) earlier this month. That doesn't explain the cancellations on 25/27 February however.

There were no strikes in FRA on the dates in early Feb I listed. The loads to FRA have been poor of late since FR came onto the route. A colleague travelled recently and a cabin crew member stated that the booked load was less than 30. Perhaps that’s got something to do with it but I doubt it.

Maybe not!
Perhaps FR have made a difference
LH goes from 5 daily to 4 daily with the summer schedule
EI looks like going from 3 daily to 2 daily for the summer schedule

A bit of a bummer on the LH loss - the cancelled rotation was a better fit for the evening connections as the 5.55pm departure is usually delayed and misses connections because of the Frankfurt curfew

Dublin Airport Is Getting A Brand New Airline With A New And Exciting Scandinavian Route

The start-up airline and new route will be here just in time for your summer holidays

The new start up carrier will fly to and from Aalborg Airport and Dublin will be one of the first routes.

“We have identified under-capacity in the northern European market for charter flights and regional scheduled flights with 100 to 120-seat jets,” explains Møller, chief executive of the new airline.

https://lovindublin.com/news/dublin-airport-great-dane

---

Russian manufacturer refutes reports Ireland’s CityJet terminated Superjet deal

MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, producer of Sukhoi Superjet 100 planes, has not confirmed media reports that the Irish airline CityJet has sent all aircraft back.

"The report that the CityJet airline has returned SSJ-100 planes to their owner is inconsistent with the reality. Currently, the CityJet airline is revising its business model, in this context Sukhoi Civil Aircraft and CityJet are actively cooperating to solve this issue regarding the SSJ-100," the company’s press service told TASS.

http://tass.com/economy/1045174

ASL airlines was sold for $200m +. Good to see one company going from strength to strength.

135 aircraft. €1bn turnover and profitable.

OA260 wrote:

Russian manufacturer refutes reports Ireland’s CityJet terminated Superjet deal

An interesting development to the on-going saga. The SSJ by all accounts is a great plane it just doesn't have the technical support programmes (incl parts) required to ensure effective and reliable operations. If the SSJ is out, will they choose the CRJ (commonality with Air Nostrum but not LCY compatible, ERJ/E2 or A220 (as previously discussed)?

I know there has been lots of ongoing turmoil at Norwegian recently. Does anybody know if they plan to cut their NY and Providence services to Dublin this winter(similar to ORK and SNN in '18). Currently one can only book until Oct 26th on these services. Maybe they haven't updated their Winter schedule yet or is it a matter of them waiting to see how their current crisis works out?

Bidders line up for Flybmi's Derry to Stansted service

A number of airlines have expressed interest in taking over Flybmi's City of Derry to Stansted service, the airport's operator has said.

Scottish airline Loganair has already indicated an intent to tender for the publicly financed route vacated by Flybmi after its collapse.

www.rte.ie/news/2019/0218/1031306-city- ... rt-flybmi/

OA260 wrote:

Bidders line up for Flybmi's Derry to Stansted service
Scottish airline Loganair has already indicated an intent to tender for the publicly financed route vacated by Flybmi after its collapse.

The PSO is worth £3.8 million. Loganair already operate out of both airports so would make the most sense and they we also planning on taking on 2 of flybmi's ERJs. Other than that maybe Stobart or Flybe? Ryanair used to operate it but pulled out in March 2017 I wonder would the PSO funds tempt them back?

EIBoston wrote:

I know there has been lots of ongoing turmoil at Norwegian recently. Does anybody know if they plan to cut their NY and Providence services to Dublin this winter(similar to ORK and SNN in '18). Currently one can only book until Oct 26th on these services. Maybe they haven't updated their Winter schedule yet or is it a matter of them waiting to see how their current crisis works out?

It was April 18 before winter 18/19 were released. Would be suprised in DUB-SWF was cut. Only time will tell.

JAmie2k9 wrote:

EIBoston wrote:

I know there has been lots of ongoing turmoil at Norwegian recently. Does anybody know if they plan to cut their NY and Providence services to Dublin this winter(similar to ORK and SNN in '18). Currently one can only book until Oct 26th on these services. Maybe they haven't updated their Winter schedule yet or is it a matter of them waiting to see how their current crisis works out?

It was April 18 before winter 18/19 were released. Would be suprised in DUB-SWF was cut. Only time will tell.

Thanks. Yes SWF most likely not cut. Providence is most likely to go seasonal.

VFRonTop wrote:

OA260 wrote:

Bidders line up for Flybmi's Derry to Stansted service
Scottish airline Loganair has already indicated an intent to tender for the publicly financed route vacated by Flybmi after its collapse.

The PSO is worth £3.8 million. Loganair already operate out of both airports so would make the most sense and they we also planning on taking on 2 of flybmi's ERJs. Other than that maybe Stobart or Flybe? Ryanair used to operate it but pulled out in March 2017 I wonder would the PSO funds tempt them back?

FR doesn't have a great track record when it comes to PSO contracts. It was awarded the DUB-KIR route back in 2008 and broke contract two years into it because they wanted more money off the government.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/p ... 39254.html

Aer Lingus to end Southampton-Cork flights

Aer Lingus will stop its flights from Southampton Airport to Cork later this year, it has been announced.
The airline began flying the route, operated by Stobart Air, in March 2016, and has run up to five flights per week between the two cities.
Southampton Airport said it was "disappointed" by the news. The service is due to end in mid-May.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-47289409

——

Aer Lingus Was The Most Punctual EMEA Airline In January.

Aer Lingus was the most punctual major airline for the month of January.

According to travel data provider OAG, the national airline had an 'On Time Performance' rating of 90 per cent, out of over 7,600 flights in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

https://kfmradio.com/news/18022019-1740 ... ne-january

OA260 wrote:

Aer Lingus to end Southampton-Cork flights

Sad to see the route go. I wonder will the aircraft be used to start another route or to increase frequency?

With the loss of SOU that just leaves BHX, BRS, EDI, GLA and MAN as year round UK destinations operated by EIR (LHR operated by mainline). I would have hoped that ORK had more demand for UK destinations. I wonder if they would compete against FR on LPL or try LBA or EMA instead?

I'd love if they started LCY, though I expect they learned from WX attempt on the route.

AmricanShamrok wrote:

FR doesn't have a great track record when it comes to PSO contracts.

True enough - I also expect the 737 was too much aircraft for the route. The ATR is much more suited to the role.

Record January At Dublin Airport

Just under 2.1 million passengers travelled through Dublin Airport this January, which was a 5% increase when compared to last year.

It is the first January in the airport’s 79-year history that passenger numbers have surpassed two million.

Passenger volumes to and from continental Europe grew by 8%, with more than one million passengers travelling to and from European destinations.

UK traffic remain static in January as almost 745,000 passengers travelled on routes between Dublin and the UK during the month.

Passenger volumes to and from North America increased by 14% with almost 211,000 passengers taking transatlantic flights to and from Dublin in January.

Other international traffic, principally to the Middle East, North Africa and the Pacific Asia region increased by 4%, as almost 85,000 passengers travelled these routes in January.

The number of passengers using Dublin Airport as a hub to connect to another destination increased by 22% with almost 108,000 passengers connecting through Dublin Airport last month.

Almost 6,000 passengers travelled on domestic routes last month, which was up 1% on January last year.

Dublin Airport will welcome 21 new routes/services this year to 14 short haul and seven long haul destinations.

Three new airlines will launch services from Dublin Airport this year, as TAP will operate a 14 times weekly summer service to Lisbon, Air Baltic will fly four times per week to the Latvian capital Riga and Sun Express will operate a weekly service to Izmir in Turkey, which is a gateway for sun holidays in the region.

Dublin Airport welcomed a total of 31.5 million passengers during 2018, setting a new record for the airport. Passenger numbers were up 6% with an additional 1.9 million passengers welcomed at the airport during 2018.

Dublin Airport has flights to almost 200 destinations in 43 countries, operated by 56 airlines and is the 11th busiest airport in the European Union.

https://www.dublinairport.com/latest-ne ... in-airport

VFRonTop wrote:

OA260 wrote:

Aer Lingus to end Southampton-Cork flights

Sad to see the route go. I wonder will the aircraft be used to start another route or to increase frequency?

With the loss of SOU that just leaves BHX, BRS, EDI, GLA and MAN as year round UK destinations operated by EIR (LHR operated by mainline). I would have hoped that ORK had more demand for UK destinations. I wonder if they would compete against FR on LPL or try LBA or EMA instead?

I'd love if they started LCY, though I expect they learned from WX attempt on the route.

EI don't even fly DUB-LPL any more, and I think they know better than to try and compete against FR there. LBA could work, but it's only twice daily from DUB as it is and I'm sure they know how many Cork-based passengers are travelling on that flight. I actually wouldn't rule out LCY given EIs recent return through DUB (which seems to be doing quite well).

EI Regional tried ORK-LBA in 2016 and failed

airfinglas wrote:

There were no strikes in FRA on the dates in early Feb I listed. The loads to FRA have been poor of late since FR came onto the route. A colleague travelled recently and a cabin crew member stated that the booked load was less than 30. Perhaps that’s got something to do with it but I doubt it.

They'll never admit it, but if loading is such that it's unviable to operate then they'll have some reason to cancel for that rotation. I've been stranded in FRA before with them and it was enough for me to switch to LH, these days I avoid EI as much as is possible as their entire product is lamentable. I flew back from LHR with them only last week and I sat in the exit row with a drink and a snack, the FA walked past, no eye-contact but a disparaging hand gesture along with 'tray table up' as we came in - no collection of rubbish, no polite request so I had to leave my litter in the seat pocket. If this is how they treat their paying 'guests' I shudder to think how a lesser species 'passenger' would be treated - I find being 'Concierge' brings me next to nothing.

alancostello wrote:

I actually wouldn't rule out LCY given EIs recent return through DUB (which seems to be doing quite well).

True, but it would in practicality still be operated by Cityjet or Stobart in EI colours. Not sure what EI branding would bring to improve what WX offered. (i.e. no connecting traffic).

I would be interested to see what equipment they'd use into LCY, whether it would be Cityjet with the RJ85 or Stobart using the ATRs or potentially an ERJ.

VFRonTop wrote:

The PSO is worth £3.8 million. Loganair already operate out of both airports so would make the most sense and they we also planning on taking on 2 of flybmi's ERJs. Other than that maybe Stobart or Flybe? Ryanair used to operate it but pulled out in March 2017 I wonder would the PSO funds tempt them back?

Stobart are on an Irish AOC so probably not worth the hassle until post-Brexit situation is established. Ryanair could bid with their UK subsidiary but frankly given their propensity to drop routes I doubt anyone would be confident in awarding it to them.

Shannon Airport to prepare European hub connectivity plan for government
http://clareherald.com/2019/02/shannon- ... lan-72313/

VFRonTop wrote:

alancostello wrote:

I actually wouldn't rule out LCY given EIs recent return through DUB (which seems to be doing quite well).

True, but it would in practicality still be operated by Cityjet or Stobart in EI colours. Not sure what EI branding would bring to improve what WX offered. (i.e. no connecting traffic).

Indeed, still operated by WX, RE or BE, but there would be one vital difference, as an EI service it would complement, rather than compete with the EI service and with better brand recognition and loyalty would probably command better fares. If ORK-LCY were to be operated twice daily, it is possible that there might be options within the EI network to put the aircraft to profitable work, which WX didn’t have good options for last time.

SNN99 wrote:

Shannon Airport to prepare European hub connectivity plan for government
http://clareherald.com/2019/02/shannon- ... lan-72313/

Here we go again with the Beal Bocht.

The airport blamed Dublin for not growing and was made independent, with huge subsidies and debt write off.

Nobody used the CDG service once Heathrow was back. Why would. AF or KL try again? LH know the market with their weekly summer service. They have service to Cork via LX. Who else will try? Do they expect a taxpayer PSO handout?

A passenger sadly died on the UA service from FRA to EWR that diverted into SNN yesterday.

BestWestern wrote:

Nobody used the CDG service once Heathrow was back. Why would. AF or KL try again? LH know the market with their weekly summer service. They have service to Cork via LX. Who else will try? Do they expect a taxpayer PSO handout?

Arguably it is now even more difficult to secure a route like this. KLM is under serious slot pressure at AMS so won't be keen to devote resources to an under performing route. Similarly AF are doing a lot of restructuring so can't see them taking another shot at this without a seriously good incentive package.

Best case scenario it might be a service by Cityhopper or HOP! using an E170.

Call for air service to Inishbofin from Inverin via Cleggan.




A Galway West TD is calling for the introduction of an air service connecting Na Minna airport to Inishbofin via Cleggan.

The airstrips at Inishbofin and Cleggan, which were completed in 2009, are currently not in use.

https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-ne ... a-cleggan/

OA260 wrote:

Call for air service to Inishbofin from Inverin via Cleggan

It's hard to understand what the benefit of this service would be when there is already a 30m boat service from Cleggan.

I would personally love to see increased air service to the islands as I think they have huge potential, but there is some serious infrastructure work that needs to be done to allow the Islands tourism industry to grow sustainably and to the benefit of the Islanders themselves.

OA260 wrote:

Call for air service to Inishbofin from Inverin via Cleggan.




A Galway West TD is calling for the introduction of an air service connecting Na Minna airport to Inishbofin via Cleggan.

The airstrips at Inishbofin and Cleggan, which were completed in 2009, are currently not in use.

https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-ne ... a-cleggan/

Maybe they should get a hub service to Amsterdam?

BestWestern wrote:

Maybe they should get a hub service to Amsterdam?

Or Doha - if its good enough for Cardiff ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Dublin Airport flights resume after drone sighting

Flights have resumed at Dublin Airport after a drone sighting over the airfield earlier today.

In a tweet, the airport said the decision was made for safety reasons. It later advised that flights had begun again.

www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2019/0221/103193 ... t-flights/

Loganair to fly Stansted to Derry City Airport after flybmi collapse

Loganair is to take over the London Stansted route from City of Derry Airport following the collapse of flybmi.

The Scottish airline had already stepped in to take on five other UK routes operated by flybmi - three from Aberdeen and two from Newcastle.

Derry City and Strabane District Council, the owner of City of Derry Airport, confirmed the decision, five days after flybmi went into administration.

www.rte.ie/news/ulster/2019/0221/103202 ... -loganair/

Bloody hell - tired looking for this topic!
Can anyone please list the new carriers to Dublin for the summer schedule?

Thanks

Bloody hell - tired looking for this topic!
Can anyone please list the new carriers to Dublin for the summer schedule?

Thanks

eirflot wrote:

Bloody hell - tired looking for this topic!
Can anyone please list the new carriers to Dublin for the summer schedule?

Thanks

Tap-Lisbon (31 March)
AA- Dallas (6th June)
Westjet- Calgary (1st June) and Halifax (30th April)
Tunisair- Monastir (13 June)
Air Canada goes mainline on Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver
Air Baltic- Riga (31st March)

Many thanks conflats
Now the topic is back where it should be

I forgot about Tunisair

The first HU flight from Shenzhen to Dublin arrives tomorrow @07:00

What going on in Rome today 25 FEB? Aer Lingus are operating 8 flights i.e. 4 A320s, 3 A321s, 1 A330

psimpson wrote:

What going on in Rome today 25 FEB? Aer Lingus are operating 8 flights i.e. 4 A320s, 3 A321s, 1 A330

Returning fans to Ireland after yesterday’s 6 Nations rugby match in Rome.

Skyblue39 wrote:

psimpson wrote:

What going on in Rome today 25 FEB? Aer Lingus are operating 8 flights i.e. 4 A320s, 3 A321s, 1 A330

Returning fans to Ireland after yesterday’s 6 Nations rugby match in Rome.

Thanks skyblue39, That would explain, I had a feeling it was something to do with an event or the Pope.