Fliplot wrote:

Check your math again!
The A220 can be what ever the airlines choose it to be!
I only ever said that the unions should not determine the future of an airline and if EI is making any decision based on scope clauses, then the union is determining the future of the airline!

My math is fine, thanks.

The reason the A220 wouldn't work as a regional plane is for the same an A320 wouldn't, it's too big. A regional aircraft is literally defined as one under 100 seats.

The planes are regional for a reason, harkening back to my original point, a regional plane is sent if it can't support a bigger plane or more frequency is required. If they want to replace every aircraft in the fleet with an A220 so be it, but they're not regional aircraft and they never will be.

RTE are reporting FR are to shut Faro base next year.

Ryanair's UK pilots announce strike dates in pay dispute

A threat of massive disruption is hanging over the end of the summer holidays as UK-based Ryanair pilots prepare to walk out.

The first stoppage will last 48 hours, from Thursday 22 August until Friday 23 August.

The second covers three days, from Monday 2 September until Wednesday 4 September.

http://news.sky.com/story/ryanair-uk-pi ... e-11779358

Still very early days but EI have updated some of their schedules in June 2020....

- Seattle up to daily (vs 5 p/w this summer)
- Orlando up to 6 p/w (from 4 p/w)
- Miami returns to 3 p/w next summer after reducing to 2 p/w for this summer.
- LA upgauging to all A333 vs A332 currently.

https://onemileatatime.com/aer-lingus-a ... ss-review/

The first review of EI's A321LR that I've seen, interesting to note that there are 5 crew as rumoured but no pre-departure beverages were served.

Ryanair's FAO base to close.
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2019/0 ... -portugal/

LPA, TFS and GRO also.
https://elpais.com/economia/2019/08/07/ ... 24685.html

There was speculation online too that the ORK and BFS bases are to be cut, no confirmations of this yet though.

EINA320 wrote:

Ryanair's FAO base to close.
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2019/0 ... -portugal/

LPA, TFS and GRO also.
https://elpais.com/economia/2019/08/07/ ... 24685.html

There was speculation online too that the ORK and BFS bases are to be cut, no confirmations of this yet though.

BFS is very likely to be reduced to minimal or gone totally from what I hear. Jet2 will be the winner here .

OA260 wrote:

EINA320 wrote:

Ryanair's FAO base to close.
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2019/0 ... -portugal/

LPA, TFS and GRO also.
https://elpais.com/economia/2019/08/07/ ... 24685.html

There was speculation online too that the ORK and BFS bases are to be cut, no confirmations of this yet though.

BFS is very likely to be reduced to minimal or gone totally from what I hear. Jet2 will be the winner here .

On another forum, I don't know how true/untrue it is but supposedly FR have told ORK and BFS crew that the base will be closed, this morning. Terrible news for ORK if true. Obviously with the closures ORK to LPA/TFS/GRO will cease. I would imagine EI or even chartered flights would pick up the slack anyway but still not good from the airports point of view.

Disappointing to hear no pre departure drinks on the EI A321LR, BA manage this on their mid haul A321 routes.

alancostello wrote:

https://onemileatatime.com/aer-lingus-a321lr-business-class-review/

The first review of EI's A321LR that I've seen, interesting to note that there are 5 crew as rumoured but no pre-departure beverages were served.

Overall a very positive experience by the sounds of it.

Interesting about the pre-flight drinks service, I've heard that on occasion TAP have also had to suspend the service on tighter turn arounds due to the boarding process but it seems Aer Lingus has decided to delay it altogether until shortly after take off, either for consistency purposes or due to union concerns. The latter wouldn't surprise me.

Notice this flight featured the standard white read rest covers (antimacassar's) down in economy, pretty disappointing they removed the only source of colour in the economy cabin and reverted to ones with the old logo on them! Sounds typical of Aer Lingus, clearly a sign of poor planning once again.

The new branding looks excellent on the inflight entertainment system.

shamrock350 wrote:

alancostello wrote:

https://onemileatatime.com/aer-lingus-a321lr-business-class-review/

The first review of EI's A321LR that I've seen, interesting to note that there are 5 crew as rumoured but no pre-departure beverages were served.

Overall a very positive experience by the sounds of it.
…
Notice this flight featured the standard white read rest covers (antimacassar's) down in economy, pretty disappointing they removed the only source of colour in the economy cabin and reverted to ones with the old logo on them! Sounds typical of Aer Lingus, clearly a sign of poor planning once again.

The new branding looks excellent on the inflight entertainment system.

Poor planning indeed. Does anyone know how regularly the antimacassars are exchanged? I can't imagine it's every long haul flight and laundered at outstations, but I imagine it's possibly every return long haul trip (so done by a laundry at DUB?), no idea what their turnaround time is.

Shannon needs routes to Paris & Amsterdam – O’Dea

In November, Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson on Employment Affairs and Social Protection requested the Shannon Airport Authority to consider establishing new destinations including a new route to Paris “particularly because of the airports over reliance on London for connectivity with the rest of Europe and the world”.

www.clareecho.ie/shannon-needs-routes-t ... rdam-odea/

EINA320 wrote:

Ryanair's FAO base to close.
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2019/0 ... -portugal/

LPA, TFS and GRO also.
https://elpais.com/economia/2019/08/07/ ... 24685.html

There was speculation online too that the ORK and BFS bases are to be cut, no confirmations of this yet though.

Terrible news! GRO was my old base & many left there to go to FAO...reading the Spanish version it seems to be saying that the threat is there and nothing definite...

No surprise, HU closes Shenzhen – Dublin reservations from Sep 2019.

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/ai ... -sep-2019/

With PEK not bookable from November.... Dublin Airport has gone from 3 flights in Asia to 1 in less than 18 months.

Hopefully CX will increase frequency next summer. Does anyone know how they have been performing this summer?

EI121 wrote:

No surprise, HU closes Shenzhen – Dublin reservations from Sep 2019.

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/ai ... -sep-2019/

With PEK not bookable from November.... Dublin Airport has gone from 3 flights in Asia to 1 in less than 18 months.

Hopefully CX will increase frequency next summer. Does anyone know how they have been performing this summer?

No surprise there really. Concern is focusing on CX now and developments in HKG! Its putting some people off as you can imagine and does make you wonder the impact it will have on bookings if things continue as they are or indeed get worse.

Posted on AA announcement thread, DUB-DFW to go year round next year instead of seasonal (couldn’t find a direct source), anyone else hear this? There were rumors a few weeks back that it was to be canned!

EK770 wrote:

Posted on AA announcement thread, DUB-DFW to go year round next year instead of seasonal (couldn’t find a direct source), anyone else hear this? There were rumors a few weeks back that it was to be canned!

I saw the post. I think it’s more wishful thinking than an AA announcement

Dissapointing about Hainan but not surprising.

@OA260, do you reckon another Chinese airline might try the Beijing route?

EI321 wrote:

Dissapointing about Hainan but not surprising.

@OA260, do you reckon another Chinese airline might try the Beijing route?

Air China would be the obvious one and offer a better chance due to their large route network and being a Star Alliance member. Only issue is when they look at the poor performance especially the yields it might put them off. Seasonal with a tag might work.

—

Business class upgrade for City Airport passengers

PASSENGERS flying from Belfast City Airport can now avail of ‘business class’ facilities in the departures lounge with the launch of a new experiential, luxury seating hub provided by office furniture specialists the Alpha Group.

Alpha has transformed part of the main departures lounge with comfortable, ergonomic, stylish furniture more often seen in leading workspaces.

www.irishnews.com/business/2019/08/09/n ... s-1680808/

—-

Strike fears grow at Ryanair as Irish-based pilots vote on action
Ialpa members directly employed by airline are holding ballot on Friday

Ryanair faces the possibility of further strikes this month as some of its Irish-based pilots complete a ballot on industrial action on Friday.

Members of the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (Ialpa) – a branch of trade union Fórsa – directly employed by Ryanair have been voting on industrial action, up to and including strike, in a dispute over pay.

The result of the ballot is due on Friday, raising the possibility that Irish pilots at the airline could strike later this month

www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-a ... 7?mode=amp

Record July At Dublin Airport

Almost 3.5 million passengers travelled through Dublin Airport in July, making it the busiest month in the airport’s 79-year history.

Passenger numbers increased by 4% compared to the same month last year as the airport welcomed an average of more than 110,000 passengers per day during the month.

The number of passengers travelling to and from continental Europe increased by 5%, as more than 1.9 million people took flights to and from European destinations in July.

UK traffic increased by 2%, with almost 939,000 passengers travelling to and from destinations in the UK.

www.dublinairport.com/latest-news/2019/ ... rs-in-july

—

Ryanair passengers face threat of major disruption as Irish-based pilots back strikes

RYANAIR passengers face the threat of major disruption during peak holiday season after Irish-based pilots voted overwhelmingly in favour of strikes today.

Members of the Irish Airline Pilots Association have backed industrial action by 94pc in a ballot.

www.independent.ie/business/irish/ryana ... 89233.html

I took this morning's TK1975 back to Dublin, 100% full. It was stupidly swapped last minute from a higher capacity 737-900ER to a 737-800. As a result, my family lost the seats we were assigned to. We were put in separate seats but we swapped seats with other people so we could sit together. Also, at least 7 people were left behind at Istanbul to get the afternoon flight to Dublin because the 737-800 they sent didn't have enough seats!

Just curious, sitting here in Toronto and just noticed a Air Canada Rouge flight overhead coming in to land from Dublin... Any ideas why there was an Air Canada Rouge flight today, 10th to Toronto?

ShamrockBoi330 wrote:

Just curious, sitting here in Toronto and just noticed a Air Canada Rouge flight overhead coming in to land from Dublin... Any ideas why there was an Air Canada Rouge flight today, 10th to Toronto?

and currently another Rouge flight on way from Dublin... earlier was 1991 left 5pm and current is 7107 left 11pm.

EDIT: 7107 is Athens diversion.

A quick question about Aer Arann Islands. After taking 5 flights with them recently, putting them in my flight log brings up the question of does anyone know if they have an IATA and/or ICAO code?

Also, on the topic of the Aran Islands, is there any news on what will happen to the flights at the end of September?

Thanks.

icelander wrote:

A quick question about Aer Arann Islands. After taking 5 flights with them recently, putting them in my flight log brings up the question of does anyone know if they have an IATA and/or ICAO code?

Also, on the topic of the Aran Islands, is there any news on what will happen to the flights at the end of September?

Thanks.

I believe Galway Aviation Services Ltd.(aka Aer Arann Islands) still uses the ICAO code 'REA' and IATA code 'EH'

VFRonTop wrote:

icelander wrote:

I believe Galway Aviation Services Ltd.(aka Aer Arann Islands) still uses the ICAO code 'REA' and IATA code 'EH'

Ah, that must be why they had the EI-EHH registration on one of the older ATR42s?

Incidentally, I heard that Stobart might be reducing its ATR72 fleet by two units. Anyone heard more about this?

Is it likely that it will be adding a further ATR42, or will 'GEV remain the sole example?

I guess Stobart is probably waiting to see what happens with its EI contract, before making any firm fleet plans. With Air Nostrum linking up with Cityjet, it's probably quite a worry to them. Some - if not most - of the regional routes, particularly EDI could take a jet aircraft; not CFN, but it could probably be taken over by Loganair (assuming that post-Brexit aviation regs allow that).

Flybe is going to be stopping DSA in late October, so perhaps Stobart might return to this?

AirbusA343 wrote:

I took this morning's TK1975 back to Dublin, 100% full. It was stupidly swapped last minute from a higher capacity 737-900ER to a 737-800. As a result, my family lost the seats we were assigned to. We were put in separate seats but we swapped seats with other people so we could sit together. Also, at least 7 people were left behind at Istanbul to get the afternoon flight to Dublin because the 737-800 they sent didn't have enough seats!

I’m sure it wasn’t just a stupid decision but one that had to be made because of the lack of an available 900, the alternative been to delay the flight until one became available.

kaitak wrote:

Incidentally, I heard that Stobart might be reducing its ATR72 fleet by two units. Anyone heard more about this?

Probably the two ATR 72-500s that were flying for flybe. They are in storage now apparently.

shamrock321 wrote:

AirbusA343 wrote:

I took this morning's TK1975 back to Dublin, 100% full. It was stupidly swapped last minute from a higher capacity 737-900ER to a 737-800. As a result, my family lost the seats we were assigned to. We were put in separate seats but we swapped seats with other people so we could sit together. Also, at least 7 people were left behind at Istanbul to get the afternoon flight to Dublin because the 737-800 they sent didn't have enough seats!

I’m sure it wasn’t just a stupid decision but one that had to be made because of the lack of an available 900, the alternative been to delay the flight until one became available.

It was tongue in cheek hehe. I know it was the best course of action, either delay until a 900ER is available or upgrade to an A321 which would've been complicated enough since that's an Airbus. There was one appropriate 900ER at the airport at the time but it was sent to Catania. It isn't uncommon, just a minor annoyance especially when you consider that the exact same thing happened with my previous flight and we were tired after just getting off a red-eye.

Air Waves Portrush ready to dazzle with world famous aviation attractions

The fast and furious P-47-D Thunderbolt American fighter will be the star attraction at this year’s Air Waves Portush as Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council announce a dazzling line-up of world-famous aviation attractions.

Air Waves Portrush, supported by Tourism NI, will showcase an array of world-class aircraft for two days of thrilling flying and a host of land-based family entertainment on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September 2019.

https://news.causewaycoastcommunity.co. ... tractions/

kaitak wrote:

VFRonTop wrote:

icelander wrote:

I believe Galway Aviation Services Ltd.(aka Aer Arann Islands) still uses the ICAO code 'REA' and IATA code 'EH'

Ah, that must be why they had the EI-EHH registration on one of the older ATR42s?

Incidentally, I heard that Stobart might be reducing its ATR72 fleet by two units. Anyone heard more about this?

Is it likely that it will be adding a further ATR42, or will 'GEV remain the sole example?

I guess Stobart is probably waiting to see what happens with its EI contract, before making any firm fleet plans. With Air Nostrum linking up with Cityjet, it's probably quite a worry to them. Some - if not most - of the regional routes, particularly EDI could take a jet aircraft; not CFN, but it could probably be taken over by Loganair (assuming that post-Brexit aviation regs allow that).

Flybe is going to be stopping DSA in late October, so perhaps Stobart might return to this?

Them operating for Flybe at SEN will probably end which will allow then to drop an aircraft or two. Not sure how many are there.

Been a reader for a long time - eventually signed up.

Back from a trip to Toronto. Booked a cheap one way business class fare through Lisbon with TAP. They don't offer lounge access in Dublin. Unfortunately the flight from Dublin was delayed by approx. 5 hours as the aircraft went tech after landing in Dublin. Missed the flight to Toronto as a result but managed to get rebooked through Heathrow on AC business class the next day after spending the night in Lisbon. The load factor on the Dublin to Lisbon was 130 out of 144. The gate agents said the flights were usually fully booked. There seemed to be quite a few connections to Brazil.

Flew back on an award ticket with AA through Dallas. The flight from Dallas was 100% full - plenty of connections from the west coast of America. Had to wait approx. 30 mins for a gate after landing early in Dublin. Hold baggage quite slow which always seems to be the case in T2. On a side note the AA app has a great baggage tracking section.

icelander wrote:

Also, on the topic of the Aran Islands, is there any news on what will happen to the flights at the end of September?

Thanks.

Just a thought of mine, could the Eviation Alice aircraft help solve the situation? A worthy investment that will help the environment and the running costs of an Island hopping airline?

Shamrockmaple wrote:

Been a reader for a long time - eventually signed up.

Back from a trip to Toronto. Booked a cheap one way business class fare through Lisbon with TAP. They don't offer lounge access in Dublin.

Welcome on board

TAP don't offer lounge access in Dublin? That's a surprise, but a good point to know. Thanks for that!

Jambost wrote:

icelander wrote:

Also, on the topic of the Aran Islands, is there any news on what will happen to the flights at the end of September?

Thanks.

Just a thought of mine, could the Eviation Alice aircraft help solve the situation? A worthy investment that will help the environment and the running costs of an Island hopping airline?

Its an interesting concept. Small electric aircraft will probably be viable in the near future but I doubt Aer Arann have the money or want to risk being the first airline to try an electric passenger service. Looks like that particular aircraft wont be in service for at least a few years and it seems to be more expensive to buy upfront than some fossil fuel alternatives.

I think the biggest issue with an Arann islands service is it's seasonality and dependability on weather conditions, many of the businesses in connemara (hotels, cafes etc) only open for 7-8 months a year.

Shamrockmaple wrote:

Flew back on an award ticket with AA through Dallas. The flight from Dallas was 100% full - plenty of connections from the west coast of America. Had to wait approx. 30 mins for a gate after landing early in Dublin. Hold baggage quite slow which always seems to be the case in T2. On a side note the AA app has a great baggage tracking section.

Fares on AA DFW/DUB nonstop flight seem to have stayed consistently high all season. All my trips have been significantly less expensive with 1 stop alternatives via LHR.
AA due to have a second round of 2020 route announcements later this week which will hopefully see DFW/DUB change from seasonal summer to year round.
Also, an FYI for anyone travelling to DFW tomorrow. An unusual "excessive heat warning" has been issued for Aug.13 for north TX with heat index predicted well above 110F (or low to mid 40's C). Even for here that's hot!

I flew Dublin - Dallas - Austin and return end July / early August in Y class on the B789. The outbound had some seats avail in Y but the return was packed in all cabins. Hopefully this route will go year round.

Is it just me or has the AA Dallas-Dublin flight in particular been subject to a lot of long delays on arrival due to lack of available stands all Summer. I've noticed it sitting remotely for up to an hour on several occasions that I've been in the airport.

Its all grand though cause the DAA CEO insists that the terminals can handle up to 40m passengers a year as they are.

Looks like Dublin - Beijing will be back next year. Along with Air China being the other potential carrier for a Beijing route, I wonder would China Southern look at a Shanghai route in the coming years.

https://fora.ie/hainan-airlines-dublin- ... 3-Aug2019/

Dublin Airport chief slams government over passport control delays

They're now being urged to open the e-gates on a full-time basis

The government has been slammed for passenger frustration over passport control delays at Dublin Airport by the transport hub's authority chief.

Dalton Philips, the daa chief executive, has urged the Department of Justice to open the e-gates on a full-time basis.


In a letter to the department that operates passport control, he said that passengers have been left "hugely frustrated" seeing the booths regularly switched off.

www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dubl ... t-16742059


At this time of year they should all be open from the first arrival to the last arrival. Pure laziness and lack of organisation.

Stranfe!
Did he just wake up to a problem that has been around for a few years now? Still tjink this would have been solved a long time ago if it were a retail issue!
Amazing how no brainers become festering problems - open all the bloody booths or more Egates!

EI321 wrote:

Is it just me or has the AA Dallas-Dublin flight in particular been subject to a lot of long delays on arrival due to lack of available stands all Summer. I've noticed it sitting remotely for up to an hour on several occasions that I've been in the airport.

Its all grand though cause the DAA CEO insists that the terminals can handle up to 40m passengers a year as they are.

The DAA CEO has consistently said that expansion of the existing terminals and piers is required to meet 40mppa. Noone has ever said they are fine as they are.

Anybody know when the next EI A321LR is due to be delivered? EI-LRB. It seems to be complete and fully painted.

Bit of nostalgia from Dublin Airport

The DublinAirport Express provided tours of the airport in the early 1960s.






https://twitter.com/dublinairport/statu ... 43617?s=12

Clydenairways wrote:

Anybody know when the next EI A321LR is due to be delivered? EI-LRB. It seems to be complete and fully painted.

It’s still the summer break in Hamburg (and Toulouse) so things tend to slow down quite a bit on the production lines. The aircraft is likely in the hanger and will spend another few weeks there before rolling out for flight testing and delivery which is usually completed between 8-12 days.

I’d say a rough guess would be mid September at the latest with the third following a month after, it’s also fully painted but awaiting engines at last update.

The next A321LR route is scheduled for SNN-BOS on 27 Oct followed by DUB-IAD on 29 Oct so at least three aircraft will be required for the start of the winter schedule.

Sad news, but surprising? A victim of the Max debacle or truly never going to work regardless?

Norwegian Air will no longer operate transatlantic routes between Ireland and North America, after the airline announced that these routes are not commercially viable.

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2019/0 ... ic-routes/

ShamrockBoi330 wrote:

Sad news, but surprising? A victim of the Max debacle or truly never going to work regardless?

Norwegian Air will no longer operate transatlantic routes between Ireland and North America, after the airline announced that these routes are not commercially viable.

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2019/0 ... ic-routes/

Not surprising, but it is disappointing. DUB, ORK and SNN all put in a lot of effort to make these flights work, along with Norwegian themselves.
I wonder will they move back to T1 now that they will just be a European operator? No need for them to be in T2 if they are not using CBP.

Im loving the drama of the above.
Scope clauses are there to protect the workers of the company. The company has agreed to these scope clauses and has accepted them as part of its planning. To say the union is determining the future of the airline is alarmist rhetoric.
EI obviously made a decision that contracting the regional operation for a fixed price is better for their network than to use their own fleet/staff. They know that the contractor (Stobart in this case) will be taking the financial risks. Aer Lingus gets the service it requires at a set price and they dont have to worry about unusual costs as Stobart must cover any tech delays/cancellations. Aer Lingus also gets to have flexibility if there is a downturn in the industry, they can terminate or cut short the contract without finding themselves in a position with aircraft and staff they need to offload.

Look at Austrian Airlines for example. They no longer fly longhaul. Instead all those Austrian branded aircraft have little notices under the cockpit window stating "operated by Tyroleon Airlines". Thats what happens when you dont have scope clauses.
Would you expect the union to sit idly by and watch as their members lose their jobs?

No surprise about Norwegian, it was clear from very early on that they’d struggle to carve out a niche for themselves let alone challenge the likes of Aer Lingus and the US carriers.

I think it was flawed either way, the MAX grounding just accelerated the inevitable.