Originally Posted by
brian_dromey
Thats true, but there isn't any extra capacity being put into SNN at this stage - the 321 is, bar 4 extra Business Class, a 1-for-1 replacement for the 757. Unless yield and loads are dire and Dublin bursting at the seams I don't see a reason to fly half-empty A320s on flights between SNN and UK/Europe. SNN is based on O&D - any connections are gravy, but without decent yield O&D it will be very tough. Each and every decision is now answerable to Madrid, underperforming routes starve the entire airline of investment, not just SNN. IAG have many other options to place new A320/737s coming on-board. If they can make more money in Vienna with LEVEL on the side, than at Shannon with Aer Lingus thats where they will go. TD's be dammed.
brian_dromey,
I'm well aware of the need for any 'potential' new schedule to be commercially viable. Firstly, such a route as BHX currently on many days by ATR can be close to full. Therefore, a need for slightly more capacity. The balance could be connecting.
The volume of passengers crossing the Atlantic is incredible, originating mostly in the US. Therefore if the seats are made available the pax will fly, it doesn't matter if the transit point is SNN DUB or even London. So just as in the case of Dublin as a transit point SNN could support many different routes for connections into EU or GB. Obviously EI are focused on DUB as a hub, but with a spare A320 in the mornings (assuming 321 goes to London) a daily rotation to BHX or even MAN would make sense.
Separately, there is a case for a Paris route on a seasonal basis, but again like any commercial opportunity, there will be other opportunities more attractive.
EI-BUD