SHANNON
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Dublin, Ireland
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I don't think MAN's distance has that much to do with it. In continental
Europe, there are many hubs and potential hubs close to each other; why
did AMS work as a hub and BRU didn't? It's largely because the Dutch saw
the opportunity and built an airport which could do it; Sabena didn't,
but it could have. Vision and regulatory freedom have a great impact on
the ability of an airport to become a hub; SIN is a very successful
Asian hub, but without Singapore's liberal approach to bilaterals, it
probably would not have been as successful as it is. Geography and a
first class airport helped, but regulatory issues are even more
important.
To a certain extent, I agree with you, in that DUB - through no fault of
its own - missed the boat. EI, at one time served more UK airports from
DUB than BA did from LHR and could have built a decent hub at DUB for
secondary UK airports; many, like BHX, BRS, LBA etc, either didn't have
access to LHR (too close) or a connection via LHR would have been a
longer journey. DUB would have been more attractive than MAN or LHR (one
terminal), but again, the obstacle? Not the competition, not other
govts, but our own - with friends like these ...
Another part of the tragedy is that when SNN had to rely on its own wit
and innovation, it was well able to do so - the duty free concept, the
free zone and various other innovations under the leadership of Brendan
O'Regan and others, BUT with the comfort of govt protection and a lobby
which had the govt wrapped around its finger, where was the need or the
incentive to do this? Thankfully, now, with FR, they're able to do this,
but they could have been made to do so a long time back.
Europe, there are many hubs and potential hubs close to each other; why
did AMS work as a hub and BRU didn't? It's largely because the Dutch saw
the opportunity and built an airport which could do it; Sabena didn't,
but it could have. Vision and regulatory freedom have a great impact on
the ability of an airport to become a hub; SIN is a very successful
Asian hub, but without Singapore's liberal approach to bilaterals, it
probably would not have been as successful as it is. Geography and a
first class airport helped, but regulatory issues are even more
important.
To a certain extent, I agree with you, in that DUB - through no fault of
its own - missed the boat. EI, at one time served more UK airports from
DUB than BA did from LHR and could have built a decent hub at DUB for
secondary UK airports; many, like BHX, BRS, LBA etc, either didn't have
access to LHR (too close) or a connection via LHR would have been a
longer journey. DUB would have been more attractive than MAN or LHR (one
terminal), but again, the obstacle? Not the competition, not other
govts, but our own - with friends like these ...
Another part of the tragedy is that when SNN had to rely on its own wit
and innovation, it was well able to do so - the duty free concept, the
free zone and various other innovations under the leadership of Brendan
O'Regan and others, BUT with the comfort of govt protection and a lobby
which had the govt wrapped around its finger, where was the need or the
incentive to do this? Thankfully, now, with FR, they're able to do this,
but they could have been made to do so a long time back.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Ireland
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Yes once again it returns to the lack of vision and courage on the part of the Government. As you say, i think that any chance of a hub in Dublin is gone as it it would take to long to bring the infrastructure to a sufficient standard let alone to change the lethargic mindset of our beloved leaders.
Shannon has shown it can stand on its own two feet. Ryanair seem pleased in general, albeit that the yields are lower than hoped for. There is an additional aircraft being based there from October and another anticipated from March. It was indeed an interesting site to look out at the ramp this morning and see American Airlines, Continental, US Airlines and Delta aircraft parked without an Aer Lingus aircraft in sight. Perhaps a sign of things to come. Even so from what i hear the North American airlines were very happy with Shannon this year. I was surprised that the American Boston flight was being discontinued as by all accounts there was talk of another direct Shannon service on the cards. Who knows maybe they may be considering a certain other Irish international airport with a spanking new airbridge!
Shannon has shown it can stand on its own two feet. Ryanair seem pleased in general, albeit that the yields are lower than hoped for. There is an additional aircraft being based there from October and another anticipated from March. It was indeed an interesting site to look out at the ramp this morning and see American Airlines, Continental, US Airlines and Delta aircraft parked without an Aer Lingus aircraft in sight. Perhaps a sign of things to come. Even so from what i hear the North American airlines were very happy with Shannon this year. I was surprised that the American Boston flight was being discontinued as by all accounts there was talk of another direct Shannon service on the cards. Who knows maybe they may be considering a certain other Irish international airport with a spanking new airbridge!
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Zurich
I see there's a charter Swiss Airlines flight LX8600/LX8601 scheduled to fly Zurich - Shannon (via Knock) this Saturday afternoon. Who travels on a chartered flight between Zurich and the West of Ireland, and why? 
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Swiss have operated this charter for the last two summers. Loads haven't been quite as high this year as last year but generally up around 75-80% on most flights. Swiss seem to be happy with the route and will probably be back again next summer.
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Scissors
They are really good loads alright. Is the intention to bring Irish people to Switzerland or Swiss people to Ireland? Or both? Pity they didn't do Zurich - Cork then...
They are really good loads alright. Is the intention to bring Irish people to Switzerland or Swiss people to Ireland? Or both? Pity they didn't do Zurich - Cork then...
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Charlie Roy
Load seems to be split about 75-25 Swiss to Irish with the majority being swiss tourists. Seems to be only nookable through the charter section of the swiss website, or through falcon travel. Website also showing ZRH-ORK-ZRH on saturdays from 01/07/06 to 12/08/06. Did those flights ever happen does anyone know?
Load seems to be split about 75-25 Swiss to Irish with the majority being swiss tourists. Seems to be only nookable through the charter section of the swiss website, or through falcon travel. Website also showing ZRH-ORK-ZRH on saturdays from 01/07/06 to 12/08/06. Did those flights ever happen does anyone know?
Join Date: May 2006
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Ryanair have been so impressed with forward bookings for Bournemouth that the route launch has been brought forward by a week. More than 2,000 seats were sold in less than a month of the service going on sale. This is still two months out from launch! Perhaps frequency will be increased for the summer months in 2007? Apparently bookings made for this route have not come at the expense of Dublin to Bournemouth demand.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Shenzhen & Cork
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Saw this story in today's Irish Independent. Fail to see what all the fuss is about....the bar was more or less deserted whenever I was passing through, and I guess the early transatlantic departures means most pax will settle for a cup of tea/coffee rather than a pint or an Irish coffee. There is a pretty good caferteria on both pre-check in and post check in which seem to do the trick. Any SNN regulars got any thoughts?
Airport home of the Irish coffee grounded for life
SHANNON Airport has called time on its only public bar.
It had been planned that Marsh Point Bar would close from next Monday but that was brought forward to last night, said airport sources.
"We are heading back to old days when the airport was like a ghost town, one airport worker said last night.
A formal statement is expected from Shannon Airport Authority today.
It will cause irreparable damage to the airport while several shops and another bar in the departures lounge may also be shut down, a Clare TD claimed.
Fine Gael's Pat Breen expressed concern yesterday that the airport authority had planned to close the Marsh Point Bar.
"I have been informed that last night was the last night the Marsh Point Bar would be open," he added.
"It is astonishing that the airport, which made the world famous Irish Coffee a household name, will no longer be serving them to visitors arriving in the country.
"The closure of the Marsh Point Bar will turn Shannon Airport into another friendless, anonymous airport with reduced facilities.
"This creates a bad impression for passengers arriving into the airport late at night who can't even order a sandwich or sample a pint of Guinness or the world famous Irish Coffee.
"It makes a nonsense of the airport being voted Irish Airport of the Year over the past two years."
Cllr Patricia McCarthy also slammed the move, saying she has never seen such mismanagement in her life. "Shannon is supposed to be seeing better days but there is no self management. Passengers will not be able to even get a cup of tea before 9am or after 9pm."
Airport home of the Irish coffee grounded for life
SHANNON Airport has called time on its only public bar.
It had been planned that Marsh Point Bar would close from next Monday but that was brought forward to last night, said airport sources.
"We are heading back to old days when the airport was like a ghost town, one airport worker said last night.
A formal statement is expected from Shannon Airport Authority today.
It will cause irreparable damage to the airport while several shops and another bar in the departures lounge may also be shut down, a Clare TD claimed.
Fine Gael's Pat Breen expressed concern yesterday that the airport authority had planned to close the Marsh Point Bar.
"I have been informed that last night was the last night the Marsh Point Bar would be open," he added.
"It is astonishing that the airport, which made the world famous Irish Coffee a household name, will no longer be serving them to visitors arriving in the country.
"The closure of the Marsh Point Bar will turn Shannon Airport into another friendless, anonymous airport with reduced facilities.
"This creates a bad impression for passengers arriving into the airport late at night who can't even order a sandwich or sample a pint of Guinness or the world famous Irish Coffee.
"It makes a nonsense of the airport being voted Irish Airport of the Year over the past two years."
Cllr Patricia McCarthy also slammed the move, saying she has never seen such mismanagement in her life. "Shannon is supposed to be seeing better days but there is no self management. Passengers will not be able to even get a cup of tea before 9am or after 9pm."
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Always seemed to be doing good business whenever I was there.What's more, after 6pm the restaurant is closed and the bar is the only source of decent food!
But, they must have their reasons for closing... ? Profits?
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Mark D - You are right, it was the bar at Foynes that first came up with the Irish Coffee...catering to the Americans who probably needed more than a caffeine kick after a boat plane ride across the Atlantic.
Charlie Roy - The bar was probably never profitable when run by the Shannon Airport Authority...a state company running a bar (or any food & beverage operation) does not sound like a viable business. I would imagine it would do well if privately run. And on that note, I presume the new bar at Cork is leased off the CAA and run privately.
Charlie Roy - The bar was probably never profitable when run by the Shannon Airport Authority...a state company running a bar (or any food & beverage operation) does not sound like a viable business. I would imagine it would do well if privately run. And on that note, I presume the new bar at Cork is leased off the CAA and run privately.
Rebel PPRuNer
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http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/200...n-airport.html
It will be interesting to see what this does to AC/TS ops.
It will be interesting to see what this does to AC/TS ops.
Thread Starter
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Ryan2000
Bar closure may be the beginning of the end of the State Gravy Train at SNN which has done so much damage to Irish Aviation over the years.
Losses at SNN are unsustainable according to the DAA and the Ryanair deal will not work unless the cost base is reduced to the level of a low cost airport.
Losses at SNN are unsustainable according to the DAA and the Ryanair deal will not work unless the cost base is reduced to the level of a low cost airport.
Join Date: Jul 2002
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New Carrier
Lithuanian Airlines are going to be operating a 737 twice weekly from SNN to Vilnius starting in Late october. departure time from SNN will be approcx 0130L on Fridays and Mondays.
No offical announcement from airline but flight are bookable on website.
Scissors
No offical announcement from airline but flight are bookable on website.
Scissors
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Sorry, me is just being jealous
Well done Shannon on getting this route
and shame on Cork for missing this one 
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Cork Riga
Air Baltic or Aerlingus could react by operating to Riga from Cork. Far more Latvians here than Lithuanians, at least Munster has got a Baltic Service, more to follow hopefully. Not surprised that SNN got in first.
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I dunno, from my experience there are a lot more Lithuanians in Cork than Latvians. That said, there are a lot of both 
We should know the definite figures soon enough with there having been a census this year.
(Preliminary report is out already but doesn't give a breakdown of the nationality of emigrants yet: http://www.cso.ie/census/2006_preliminaryreport.htm )
However for the Irish people, Riga would be a more attractive city break destination than Vilnius...
We should know the definite figures soon enough with there having been a census this year.
(Preliminary report is out already but doesn't give a breakdown of the nationality of emigrants yet: http://www.cso.ie/census/2006_preliminaryreport.htm )
However for the Irish people, Riga would be a more attractive city break destination than Vilnius...