as far as im aware, aer lingus and its pilot and cabin crew unions are close to making a deal on a new long haul working agreement. EIs decsion to withdraw from orlando is based on the fact that it is not profitable under the current agreement, however according to press reports talks are at an advanced stage and an out come is expected over the next couple of weeks. thus allowing ei to retain its mco service..........
as for the previous comment about the relivence of dub-dxb service...ireland has strong links with the arab state through business and trade, also over 6,000 irish people live there and countless others holiday there. The new ei cx dermot mannion is a former ek exec, which could mean a link up or codeshare with ek, tapping into the asia and oz market.....anyway proof of a market is evident with gulf airs dec to operate non-stop dub-bah....