Flightglobal reports an interesting interview with Stephen Kavanagh, EI CCO, following on from today's EI results announcement.
To summarise:
- Aer Lingus is "very keen to see" whether the Airbus A321neo or Boeing 737-9 Max will offer the range needed for some of its transatlantic services.
- If so, the carrier could order up to five re-engined narrowbodies to serve the USA's east coast as part of a larger short-haul fleet renewal programme.
- [Kavanagh] said the carrier is looking at the Neo and Max families. If the aircraft do offer sufficient range, Aer Lingus could order "up to five" re-engined narrowbodies for this mission, to complement the widebody services. This would not affect Aer Lingus's existing order for nine Airbus A350s.
- Aer Lingus's evaluation of the Neo and Max families is also focused on eventually replacing its short-haul fleet of 36 A320s, said Kavanagh.
- They expect to complete evaluations and start manufacturer negotiations within 12 months.