Aer Lingus in DXB
I think that was the point of what was said; I certainly didn't interpret it as a criticism of RB - quite the opposite in fact.
I think EI made two key errors:
-** Despite six month lead in, only one acft (EI-DAA) has IFE ... shared with LAX route.
-** Scheduling - the key one.
Now, EK still expanding. It wouldn't surprise me if EK looked at DUB again and realising that EI scheduling doesn't allow scheduling/feed options they would like, will go on the route. They would most likely lill EI on the route - quality, marketing, scheduling/onward connections ... and all of it, from EI's viewpoint, is completely avoidable.
I hope EI does well on this route, but as its first eastbound venture, not an encouraging start. Lessons to be learned. Only opening themselves up to further competition; my belief has always been that DXB was selected to forestall threat of EK coming in, which would have threatened viability of their further expansion eastwards. Even if that was the case, still all the more important to get it right. If pax find it inconvenient and still find it easier to fly via LHR/LGW etc, EK may well see direct route as best choice; completely avoidable. In the immortal words of Baldrick: "shall I prepare the guestroom for Mr. Cockup".
Pity EK chose CPH, now dropped; of course, hindsight is a great quality and couldn't have forecast effect of cartoon protests.,
If not EK, then QR. Get it right, first time!!!!