EI may well be more interested in the US, but it seems unlikely there'll be much change in US access rights this year. As well as that, Aer Lingus needs to decide if it's going to continue to put all of its long haul eggs in the US basket. Where will that leave it if there's another 9/11.
I'm all for EI lobbying for and getting new US (and hopefully, Canadian) routes, but if it leaves the Asian market open, the likes of EK will enter the route and EI might as well throw its hat at it, because EK will be very aggressive in its growth plans.
Surprised also that the Irish govt hasn't been more pro-active. Clearly, a route to Asia would be a very important boost to the Irish economy; perhaps some "encouragement" would be welcome . . .