Because Aer Lingus's route network was so limited and involved a short Atlantic crossing from Shannon to the East Coast, the airline could order aircraft with lower specifications and still meet its needs. After all, it ordered the original Boeing 720 (pre-turbofans) which was marginal for the same routes and had to stop at Gander if the winds were unfavourable. There were replaced with 707-348Cs after a few years, once the airline had established its transatlantic operations.