Good news, especially the "Made in Seattle" bit.
As for future capacity, I was just trying to work out in a very rough way what they might need:
They'll need a few more aircraft than at present, plus the 333s being either retrofitted (unlikely?) or replaced, so the airline's "interim" fleet requirement is quite significant. As Brian Dromey said, some of the fares they're offering are extremely low - LAX for EUR122 (one way).
- The full effect of the new bilateral will be felt, with three new cities being added (it actually starts November, but I doubt if they will go "full on" for the Winter).
- With significant activity this year and an apparent rush to complete bilaterals, it's possible that 2007 will also be the year they go n/s to Asia; DXB should be daily by next year.
For 2007 alone, one could predict:
Daily from DUB to JFK (2), BOS, ORD, MCO, DXB ...
Daily from SNN to JFK, BOS
5 wkly to LAX
Three new cities (assume Dly to SFO, 5 wkly to other two)
Possibility of Dly to YYZ, if Canadian bilateral is updated?
3-5 wkly to New Asian destination.
Fleet requirement: c. 11-12 acft.
Current: 4 333, 3 332. Requirement: 4-5 more (depending on frequencies, plus replacement of 333s).
Looking forward: 2008 will see "open skies", with all restrictions gone on SNN (although EI will maintain current level of capacity through Shannon). Possibility of CPT being offered?
Very exciting times ahead ... Looks like we might need a new thread shortly!