Irish 7/13: Airborne Dreaming

OA260 · Wed Jun 05, 2013 8:45 pm

Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 99):
I don't know about anyone else but I'll miss it, Aer Lingus has been there since before I was born so every flight I've ever taken with them out of LHR was at those gates!

I can see where your coming from and I used them for over a decade but I wont miss it. I think they ruined it when they ''enhanced'' it . It was not good before . I actually miss T2 . Fond memories there both as a passenger and working there. Still it all became sub standard in todays world.

Talking of lounges the new DAA lounge (former BMI ) lounge is now open. Similar colours to the one at B Gates and equally boring. ( Mind you at least there are good views from the former ) . Never thought Id miss the BMI lounge !

n272wa · Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:08 pm

Has anyone been on the albino EI-FCC A320 yet? I thought this was a standby a/c but seems to be operating revenue services already. It is going to Allegiant Air after summer with Aer Lingus.

AmricanShamrok · Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:52 pm

The inaugural ORD-SNN service operated by UA is on its feet:

A long time coming after a four year hiatus. The service was last operated by EI, 3x weekly in Summer 2009. I recently heard a rumour from the outsourced EI groundstaff at ORD that SNN-ORD was in EI's initial 757 plans. I'm sure this has changed now though after UA announced the service. I really hope this meets and exceeds expectations for UA and here's to an extended season next summer! Can't wait to use the service myself. My extended family are booked on numerous flights over the next three months also.

JAmie2k9 · Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:03 am

Quoting n272wa (Reply 101):

There has being some technical problems this week with other aircraft so that may be why it was operating and as the new A319 only arrived Friday which as entered services on Sunday that may also be why it was operating.

OA260 · Fri Jun 07, 2013 7:32 am

Aer Lingus flying high as passenger numbers rise by 5.3pc

Aer Lingus passenger numbers rose by 5.3pc to 1,021,000 in May 2013 compared to May 2012, it was announced today, as the airline released its May 2013 traffic statistics.

The airline welcomes the increase, following a 2.5pc decline in the year on year April passenger figures released in May 2013. However, this decline was attributed to the Easter Bank Holiday, which fell in March this year, as opposed to April as it did in 2012.

http://www.independent.ie/business/i...numbers-rise-by-53pc-29327516.html

Some good news on the figures.

A more in depth analysis here :

http://corporate.aerlingus.com/media...fs/Traffic_Statistics_May_2013.pdf

[Edited 2013-06-07 00:35:12]

OA260 · Fri Jun 07, 2013 11:14 am

United Airlines is “looking closely” at a non-stop Dublin – San Francisco route, probably employing a B787 Dreamliner.

Interviewed yesterday by ITTN’s News & Features Editor, Neil Steedman, United’s James Mueller, Vice President Atlantic and Pacific Sales – who was in Dublin yesterday to celebrate United’s 15th anniversary serving Ireland and for today’s inaugural Shannon – Chicago flight – said: “There is no announcement today (!) but we are looking closely at a non-stop Ireland – US West Coast service and San Francisco is a major hub for us. Customers in the IT space in California are asking for more international routes – and those in Ireland! Consistency of service is important, of course, and we are watching this issue very closely. Such a route would be ideal for our B787 Dreamliner fleet.”

http://www.ittn.ie/bulletins/united-...-of-non-stop-dublin-san-francisco/

Certainly would be an ideal route for the 787. Aer Lingus will need to get in first if they seriously want to start West Coast again .

tonymctigue · Fri Jun 07, 2013 11:50 am

Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 103):
A long time coming after a four year hiatus. The service was last operated by EI, 3x weekly in Summer 2009. I recently heard a rumour from the outsourced EI groundstaff at ORD that SNN-ORD was in EI's initial 757 plans. I'm sure this has changed now though after UA announced the service. I really hope this meets and exceeds expectations for UA and here's to an extended season next summer! Can't wait to use the service myself. My extended family are booked on numerous flights over the next three months also.

Certainly seems likes SNN's fortunes have started to turn for the better. I passed through twice in the last three weeks on my brief trip home and the place was noticeably busier than it had been for a long time. Loads on LHR-SNN was I would say about 70% and on SNN-LHR I would say in the high 80's. There was also a FR SNN-LGW flight boarding at the same time which judging by the size of the queue was in the high 80's also. Also, there seems to be a new air of vibrance and optomism about SNN which has replaced the air of decay and doom that has hung over the place for the last seveal years. Still a long way to go to full recovery but so far so good. They certainly seem to have appointed some good people to the board of the new SAA.

AmricanShamrok · Fri Jun 07, 2013 8:31 pm

Some pictures of the inaugural ORD-SNN-ORD flights:

Taken at ORD Terminal 1, Gate C21 prior to the departure of flight UA66

Flight UA67 taxiing for departure to RWY06 at SNN

Another "creative" cake

The Blues Brothers playing before boarding at Gate 108

Press releases:
(SNN): http://www.shannonairport.ie/gns/abo...top_Shannon_-_Chicago_Service.aspx

(ORD): http://myemail.constantcontact.com/-...soid=1102463494613&aid=I0gnBZT9vBY

---

Next phase of ORD T5 rejuvenation opens to the public: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/S...soid=1102463494613&aid=UOEK-UZU2Q8

Aer Lingus continues to use the International Terminal at ORD so it's a huge improvement for their customers.

Quoting OA260 (Reply 105):
United Airlines is “looking closely” at a non-stop Dublin – San Francisco route, probably employing a B787 Dreamliner.

If worse came to worse and UA did launch SFO before EI, couldn't EI just relaunch LAX?

Toulouse · Fri Jun 07, 2013 8:36 pm

I see Qatar Airways flight 3042 just departed DUB for Doha... Is this a once-off? It's not showing on DUB departure board, I saw it on flightradar24 and checked flight numb og Qatars website and it lists it?.

EIDL · Fri Jun 07, 2013 9:12 pm

Quoting Toulouse (Reply 108):
I see Qatar Airways flight 3042 just departed DUB for Doha... Is this a once-off? It's not showing on DUB departure board, I saw it on flightradar24 and checked flight numb og Qatars website and it lists it?.

Being painted I believe, been quite a lot of them in over the past while.

n272wa · Fri Jun 07, 2013 9:16 pm

Hey AmricanShamrock - brilliant pics

Thanks for posting. Fantastic new service for SNN... I think EI really lost out here!

shamrock350 · Fri Jun 07, 2013 9:21 pm

Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 107):
If worse came to worse and UA did launch SFO before EI, couldn't EI just relaunch LAX?

Aer Lingus will only have themselves to blame if United get in there before them. I know the rumours have been rife for well over a year and they've been understandably cautious before making any announcements but that length of time leaves the door wide open for competitors like UA. I also doubt we'd see EI launch LAX in response, it's SFO or nothing.

Quoting n272wa (Reply 101):

Has anyone been on the albino EI-FCC A320 yet? I thought this was a standby a/c but seems to be operating revenue services already. It is going to Allegiant Air after summer with Aer Lingus.

It's had titles and a Shamrock applied.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/namcys11/8978285462/

Looks quite odd actually, reminds me of the two A320s they leased from Swiss in 2004.

Toulouse · Fri Jun 07, 2013 9:33 pm

Quoting EIDL (Reply 109):

Thanks so much eidl

n272wa · Fri Jun 07, 2013 10:23 pm

Quoting shamrock350 (Reply 111):

Definitely a minimalist paint job on FCC!!
Can 't say I blame them when it will be gone after summer season.

tonymctigue · Fri Jun 07, 2013 10:27 pm

Quoting Toulouse (Reply 108):
Aer Lingus continues to use the International Terminal at ORD so it's a huge improvement for their customers.

Not before time! The setup at Terminal 5 was absolutely ridiculous, particurarly for an airport terminal that is not that old. I think T5 at ORD is the most disappointed I have ever been with any airport terminal I have been through.

OA260 · Sat Jun 08, 2013 4:32 am

Some news from BHD. BA are investing £85,000 in a new lounge. Aer Lingus also to use this. The former BMI lounge will be closed from 1st July for two weeks to enable the refurb.

dstc47 · Sat Jun 08, 2013 7:55 am

Exciting day yesterday for the Shannon Rescue helicopter.
Scrambled to deal with a medical emergency on a cruise liner in the Atlantic, ran in to technical problems while refuelling on an oil rig. Luckily the call for immediate medivac was cancelled.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news...h-grounds-helicopter-29329220.html

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/longe...escue-mission-stood-down-1.1420947

[Edited 2013-06-08 00:57:46]

n272wa · Sat Jun 08, 2013 10:30 am

Just saw an Air Dolomiti E190 land in Cork. Has to be one of the smartest looking Ejets around.

Aer Lingus · Sat Jun 08, 2013 11:48 am

Looks like another Qatar 332 inbound now. Flight 3041.

Also flew EI-EPU last night. Nice aircraft but still has the tight legroom with seat fixings from the seat in front protruding into one's legs!

[Edited 2013-06-08 05:26:38]

OA260 · Sat Jun 08, 2013 12:51 pm

Quoting Aer Lingus (Reply 118):

Tell me about it very tight .

tonystan · Sat Jun 08, 2013 1:51 pm

http://atwonline.com/government-affa...t-abu-dhabi-pre-clearance-facility

It would appear that AUHs plans to have its own pre clearance has been quashed. Could this mean we may see more development on the EI/EY front?

EIDL · Sat Jun 08, 2013 4:29 pm

EPU/EPT need to get their seat pitch sorted ASAP, I'm becoming reluctant to risk getting a very lightly loaded 319 where the front seats aren't opened for checkin as it is actually painful to sit in 8 back.

IrishTexan · Sat Jun 08, 2013 4:54 pm

Just came across this.
http://clare.fm/news/tourism-ireland...g-new-links-between-shannon-and-us
SFO-SNN a possibility, but surely a longshot.
DAL-SNN has got to be pure fantasy, but I assume the writer probably intended DFW-SNN which yours truly would love to see, but I'll believe it when I see it. Have to think DFW-DUB would happen first (if ever).
Is DFW/IAH - DUB/SNN even being talked about elsewhere, or is this just journalistic wishful thinking being nurtured by the new SAA?

JAmie2k9 · Sat Jun 08, 2013 5:50 pm

Quoting irishtexan (Reply 122):

Very wishful thinking, at most SNN could get ATL back but I don't see anymore. The growth in T/A traffic from Ireland's will begin to slow. The bubble is close to bursting and some sings are showing that carriers are being affected. Whatever EI announce for 2014 will likely be the end of T/A growth for a while.

AmricanShamrok · Sat Jun 08, 2013 8:20 pm

Quoting irishtexan (Reply 122):

Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 123):

While I'd love to see further longhaul growth out of SNN, I think Jamie is right by saying it may be reaching its peak for a while. ATL, YYZ (a better frequency than TS) and DXB might be contenders at some point in the future but I think after securing two new routes this year, it might be best to focus on what we've got for the moment and trying to build on and publicise them (i.e. maybe an extended ORD season next year).

In saying that, the UA man did say a San Francisco-Ireland route was on the cards (not specifically SFO-DUB)...they might try and play SNN and DUB off one another for a good deal!

EIDL · Sat Jun 08, 2013 8:31 pm

Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 124):
In saying that, the UA man did say a San Francisco-Ireland route was on the cards (not specifically SFO-DUB)...they might try and play SNN and DUB off one another for a good deal!

It'd have to be a fantastic deal from SNN, seeing as most of the high value traffic is in DUB or ORK - and due to no M20 and no direct trains versus express buses and direct trains its much of a muchness whether DUB or SNN is quicker to get to.

tonymctigue · Sat Jun 08, 2013 8:34 pm

Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 124):
While I'd love to see further longhaul growth out of SNN, I think Jamie is right by saying it may be reaching its peak for a while. ATL, YYZ (a better frequency than TS) and DXB might be contenders at some point in the future but I think after securing two new routes this year, it might be best to focus on what we've got for the moment and trying to build on and publicise them (i.e. maybe an extended ORD season next year).

It does read a bit like journalistic optomisim alright. It would nigh impossible to imagine a situation where SNN would get a SFO connection before DUB. It would also be impossible to serve such a long route non-stop with a B757 which has already been proven to be the optimum aircraft size for long haul flights from SNN. AmericanShamrock is right in that the SAA need to focus on retaining SNN-PHL and SNN-ORD for next summer and hopefully seeing the SNN-ORD service period increase and perhaps and extra frequency or two on SNN-YYZ. I think there is a decent chance we will see a Middle East route from SNN in the future and possibly a return of the summer only SNN-ATL route.

BestWestern · Sun Jun 09, 2013 1:47 am

Quoting tonymctigue (Reply 126):
I think there is a decent chance we will see a Middle East route from SNN in the future and possibly a return of the summer only SNN-ATL route.

There is no chance of a Middle east terminating flight in my opinion. As part of a one stop to the US - perhaps.

OA260 · Sun Jun 09, 2013 7:05 am

Quoting irishtexan (Reply 122):

There is most likely only a few routes that could be explored. The demand is not there for lots of new random routes. Its quite incorrect to call it a bubble bursting as that environment as we saw in the "Celtic Tiger" will never exist again. There is no bubble to burst Its going to be a case of sustaining what we have.

---

Cityjet developments :

CityJet to be sold to German group Intro

CityJet, which flies from Dublin to London City Airport and Brest, is being sold by Air France KLM to German group Intro Aviation.

http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2013...to-be-sold-to-german-group-intro/.

RandWkop · Sun Jun 09, 2013 12:12 pm

Does anyone know if there will be an A.net APP for Windows phone anytime soon?
I know there is one for IOS, not sure about Android.

nightfox365 · Sun Jun 09, 2013 12:35 pm

Rand there is an Android APP for A.net, I have it on my samsung galaxy tab.

aerdingus · Sun Jun 09, 2013 1:43 pm

Hi all,

does anyone know where the new hire cabin crew EI are recruiting at the moment will be based?

Cheers from wet & windy Spain....believe it or not!!

JAmie2k9 · Sun Jun 09, 2013 1:51 pm

Quoting aerdingus (Reply 131):

All Dublin based, applications closed during the week.

MichaelEI · Sun Jun 09, 2013 10:35 pm

Quoting aerdingus (Reply 131):

I've heard that a fair few are for SNN to cover the 757s, and some are for Dublin.

OA260 · Mon Jun 10, 2013 8:39 am

United Airlines are celebrating 15 years of operations in Ireland. Good to see that they have stayed loyal to the Irish market and also that they are looking to expand in future. Would be nice to see B787s in DUB.

--

Etihad are recruiting for a sales based position in Ireland to further liaise with the current sales team and increase their market share from Ireland.

It would be interesting to know how EY/EK are doing against each other and who is coming out on top in the Premium cabins.

OA260 · Mon Jun 10, 2013 10:15 am

Meant to link this article but cant edit above post. !

Shannon has a viable future, says United

Shannon Airport can have a viable future, according to a senior executive at United Airlines, after the carrier inaugurated a service to Chicago from the west of Ireland.

It will operate until the end of August.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, United Airlines' vice president of Atlantic and Pacific sales Jim Mueller, said he believed connecting with Chicago – where the airline has its headquarters – generated the scale required to service a destination such as Shannon.

"Chicago on its own is a tremendous source of corporate and leisure travel.

http://www.independent.ie/business/i...e-future-says-united-29332193.html

Also DAA reported 9% increase in traffic year on year for May so a decent increase. Long may it last.

http://www.dublinairport.com/gns/at-...Through_Dublin_Airport_In_May.aspx

tonymctigue · Mon Jun 10, 2013 10:36 am

Quoting OA260 (Reply 135):
Shannon has a viable future, says United

It is nice to hear from a source such as United that SNN has a future although you got to love the Irish Independent's usual thouroughness when they mention that UA serve DUB-EWR and DUB-IAH but fail to mention that they also serve SNN-EWR despite the fact that the article primarily focuses on UA's operation at SNN.

aerdingus · Mon Jun 10, 2013 12:10 pm

Quoting MichaelEI (Reply 133):
I've heard that a fair few are for SNN to cover the 757s, and some are for Dublin.

I thought there was a crew already coming with the 757s?

Aer Lingus · Mon Jun 10, 2013 12:18 pm

Quoting aerdingus (Reply 137):
I thought there was a crew already coming with the 757s?

They are. Its a damp lease so flight deck crew will be Air Contractors, cabin crew Aer Lingus.

Anyone catch the Thomson Dreamliner at SNN today? There's one circuit training in NQY also.

[Edited 2013-06-10 05:27:56]

aerdingus · Mon Jun 10, 2013 12:20 pm

Quoting Aer Lingus (Reply 138):
They are. Its a damp lease so flight deck crew will be Air Contractors, cabin crew Aer Lingus.

Ah I see, cheers.

OA260 · Mon Jun 10, 2013 1:00 pm

Quoting Aer Lingus (Reply 138):
Anyone catch the Thomson Dreamliner at SNN today? There's one circuit training in NQY also.

Saw it at LGW last night also they are running a celebration flight for staff MAN-LGW , one of my mates is on it.

JAmie2k9 · Mon Jun 10, 2013 2:54 pm

Quoting MichaelEI (Reply 133):

If they need crew for 2014 at SNN they won't advertise until lather in the year, the past two rounds on the website were for the main summer season at Dublin.

tonystan · Mon Jun 10, 2013 8:54 pm

Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 141):

They will be advertising any SNN positions internally first before they consider any outside applications so its safe to assume that all new entrants will be for DUB!

Dublinspotter · Mon Jun 10, 2013 10:46 pm

Hi

I know this is a stupid question.... And probably not relevant but could you guys shed some light on the DUB - STR route...
I flew it last year on a trip, and I'm trying to get back..

Is it a seasonal service? And is there any other alternative airports around stuttgart I could use to get to the city (even the train or bus to the city) form Dublin? And is the route healthy enough to continue or are
There rumours about it?

Thank you so much....

Dublinspotter

JAmie2k9 · Mon Jun 10, 2013 11:24 pm

Quoting Dublinspotter (Reply 143):

Being dropped for winter, had very bad loads, last winter loads were between 25 and 51%, down slightly on the previous winter. Would expect it back for summer 2014, loads in the summer tend to be 70-85%.

Munich, Frankfurt and Zurich are the closest other airports but both quiet a bit away. Might be worth checking out LH via FRA to fly into STR.

[Edited 2013-06-10 16:27:16]

aer lingus · Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:30 am

Does anyone know why most AF flights to/from DUB and CDG are cancelled today?
Aircraft gone tech? Weather related?

AmricanShamrok · Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:42 am

Quoting aer lingus (Reply 145):

French ATC strike. EI has also cancelled the following flights:
EI 510 Dublin to Perpignan
EI 511 Perpignan to Dublin
EI 520 Dublin to Paris
EI 521 Paris to Dublin
EI 822 Cork to Paris
EI 823 Paris to Cork
EI 544 Dublin to Nice
EI 545 Nice to Dublin

OA260 · Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:52 am

Quoting aer lingus (Reply 145):

Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 146):

And its to last three days! Nightmare.

aer lingus · Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:56 am

Quoting AmricanShamrok (Reply 146):

So would EI529 the last flight from CDG to DUB have any equipment change? As I know PAX from the earlier AF flights are put on to the EI529 to DUB.

Dublinspotter · Tue Jun 11, 2013 11:25 am

Hi

Quoting Jamie2k9 (Reply 144):

Thanks very much! Trying to meet with a friend and saw that it wasnt operating and everywhere I looked I saw it was a year round service... So was a bit Baffled...

I'm surprised at the loads tough, in October it was quite busy.... Ill have a look at LH thanks

Dublinspotter

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