@22/04
yes, that's a valid point. Most of EI's TA traffic originates in Ireland with an increasing amount feeding in (both by EI Mainline and Regional). However, as the LoCo's have shown, pax loyalty only goes so far.
If you can offer a similar product (comfortable, punctual, friendly, safe) TA hubbing through a modern & not so busy airport with the added bonus of preclearance so you arrive in the US as a domestic, then brand A vs brand B becomes a pricing issue rather than loyalty or flag waving argument. If you can deliver a comparable product at a lower price than the incumbent then you'll take a fair chunk of 'their' customers (or so the theory goes).
The EI model does appear to be working, if someone wanted a piece of that action, what's their best way to attack the market? Purchase the incumbent (which grows your market share while taking out a competitor) or start from scratch with lower overheads?
Also, from the other side of the equation, if you're EI management, what does your best partner look like? A major European that's a rival as much as a partner or someone outside your geography? Alternatively, it's someone who wants to build the airline as a stand alone? All of which may be rendered moot if the share owners just want the cash.
IMHO and it is just my opinion, Aer Lingus gobbled up by International Consolidated Airlines Group would last not much longer than British Midland did when it was pulled into the fold (which is probably longer than EI would have lasted had FR gained ownership ... but again, that's all just my personal opinion).
JAS