Originally Posted by
brian_dromey
Rallye EI-BFP
Ah hello EI-BFP.....EI is a private company, and has not been our 'flag carrier' for quite a long time. EI does not HAVE to fly anywhere, look at the modern route system, no domestic service and no service from the regional airports(NOC, GWY, etc). Make no mistake EI is making money on the LHR route and thats why they operate it, to add an AMS service would only dilute yields, as SNN already has a strong T/A route network and connections to DUB.
Yes they do. The existing open skies agreement states that at least 50% of all transatlantic flights must go through Shannon. Most of the Aer Lingus passengers passing through Shannon are actually going to Dublin, thus the fact that the plane continues to Dublin. Chances are as soon as they negotiate a new Open Skies agreement, Aer Lingus will drop all direct transatlantic flights from Shannon and operate a feeder service to Dublin like they do at present. If the London Heathrow service is profitable, then why are they dropping from 4 to 3 rotations a day from the end of October, leaving the aircraft under utilised. If there is any further reduction, the chances are they will base the plane at Cork, where they need extra capacity and operate a Cork/Heathrow/Shannon/Heathrow/Cork service perhaps twice daily, and then better utilise the plane during the rest of the day