I think that EI have to operate as a commercially viable
Did you just realise that? Ireland US is massively low yield and seasonal, always has been. When was the last time Aer Lingus got a leasing deal for a large part of the A330 fleet over the winter months? Or did they fly them at a loss month after month making the money in summer only.....
They are right back where they were when they flew the same three B747s until they were ancient, having learned little from past errors.