EI like to keep Cork flights to AMS and LHR on schedule. A mixed fleet at Cork makes this difficult if the flights have a high load factor. This was the main reason why the A321 was withdrawn from ORK LHR. The 4th aircraft spent most of the past winter on the apron at Cork as a back up aircraft.
Agree but its just a rumour for now.
Is the above a good reason for EI keeping all A320's or is saving a crew menber cost for every flight with an A319 more important. Were loads last winter good or would an A319 be more suited to some routes.
Was the A321 not taken away because they dropped 3 from the fleet or did that happen after. I expect that EI will keen to get the losses during the winter reduced. Not for a minute saying ORK is making major losses or anything. 2013 Q1 results are out on Thursday so they might give some indication on plans for winter if their losses have increased or not etc.