Originally Posted by DollarBill
While I understand that EI have to publicly keep their options open I just cant see the B737MAX being in a strong position for them. They have just spent the last decade converting from mostly B737 to all A320 family, and now dangle the idea that they may switch back 5-7 years from now? And this just after they would be taking delivery of their A359's? And after the A320NEO has been in service.
They switched to an all-Airbus fleet to save costs. If Boeing can offer Aer Lingus an aircraft that has reduced running and operating costs compared to the A32X fleet, and at a good price, then Aer Lingus will buy it. Its as simple as that.
Originally Posted by MCDU2
Entry into one of the alliances may well have helped but Mueller doesn't seem to want to.
The reason they've decided not to fully join an alliance is because the costs involved outweigh the few benefits Aer Lingus would get from full membership. The only area Aer Lingus would really gain any benefit from being in an alliance is being part of one of the joint ventures. But apparently Aer Lingus are in discussions now to join one of the transatlantic joint ventures as a non-member, so expect a decision on that in the next few months.