Aer Lingus - 3
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JetBlue and other ramblings
While I do think there is a big difference in service between EI and JetBlue it is a good move for EI. But it also makes me think why don't EI take a leaf out of JetBlue's book and update their aircraft providing the extras while staying low cost. This would really differentiate them from FR and other low cost operators in Europe. At the moment on short haul they are FR only more expensive and sometimes flying to a better airport. They need to justify their higher airfares especially on routes where they are in direct competition with the likes of FR. (e.g. Dublin - Seville, FR have one way flights for 37eurs all taxes etc included, EI have flights for 90eurs excluding charges.)
While I'm at it! FR seem to have a European presence. They actually advertise in local media, billboards etc. While EI seem content to rely on Irish people travelling abroad. Here in Spain there is minimal advertising( a few newspaper ads) despite there being numerous flights to Ireland (DUB and ORK). As a brand in Europe, outside of the industry, they don't seem interested in creating a profile.
While I'm at it! FR seem to have a European presence. They actually advertise in local media, billboards etc. While EI seem content to rely on Irish people travelling abroad. Here in Spain there is minimal advertising( a few newspaper ads) despite there being numerous flights to Ireland (DUB and ORK). As a brand in Europe, outside of the industry, they don't seem interested in creating a profile.
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Advertising
Here in Belgium where Ryanair have a base I don't actually see any advertising outside of Charleroi airport grounds!!? They seem to rely on newspapers to write articles about them and their routes every now and again.
I do however regularly see advertisements in newspapers for Aer Lingus' one route to the country
I do however regularly see advertisements in newspapers for Aer Lingus' one route to the country
Join Date: Sep 2006
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dublin to UAE and onwards
Great that Etihad are going to fly direct to/from DUB with one stop only to SYD and other Far East countries.
Am flying Bus class with GF next week DUB to SYD.
Considered EI to Dubai and Emirates onward to SYD.
However the EI Premier fare DUB/Dubai/DUB was more expensive than GF's Bus class DUB/SYD/DUB!!! Add on Emirates Bus class Dubai/SYD/Dubai and there was only going to be one winner.
Maybe EI will now consider to put the Dubai 330 back on to the Orlando route; because between Etihad and GF Aer Lingus does not have a hope in hell of competing.
Another bonus of course is NOT having to go through LHR!!!!
Am flying Bus class with GF next week DUB to SYD.
Considered EI to Dubai and Emirates onward to SYD.
However the EI Premier fare DUB/Dubai/DUB was more expensive than GF's Bus class DUB/SYD/DUB!!! Add on Emirates Bus class Dubai/SYD/Dubai and there was only going to be one winner.
Maybe EI will now consider to put the Dubai 330 back on to the Orlando route; because between Etihad and GF Aer Lingus does not have a hope in hell of competing.
Another bonus of course is NOT having to go through LHR!!!!
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Ive read that EI has the second lowest operating costs across the Atlantic; so this could easily be applied on their route to DXB, if isnt already the case. With low costs, and in general, good cattle class fares to DXB, EI have got a chance againts EY and GF. Now, if EI would WAKE UP AND GET GOING ON AN ALLIANCE WITH EMIRATES, they could be a force to be reckoned with. Theres a large amount of traffic ex DUB to Australia, Thailand etc, and EI is stupidly not going after it. Whilst still good, they are focusing on a Jetblue alliance at present, whilst EY and GF take a potential chance to make some serious money, from right under their feet!!!!!!!!!!!
EI needs to wake up, AND SORT OUT THE EK ALLIANCE!!!!!!!!!! They are really annoying this GoldCircle member, as I would like to earn points flying to Asia etc, without having to use LHR!
EI needs to wake up, AND SORT OUT THE EK ALLIANCE!!!!!!!!!! They are really annoying this GoldCircle member, as I would like to earn points flying to Asia etc, without having to use LHR!
Rebel PPRuNer
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Not Orlando until the stopover eases. The flogging of the 330s with stop-cool-go at SNN should not be repeated. With the crew rest being fitted on the 332s CPT might go back on the agenda.
Join Date: Aug 1999
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Yes, that MCO business was almost comical. Mind you, I get the impression (and its probably only a vibe) that the NOC arrangement with Flyglobespan heralds the start of a new approach. My impression is that the NOC arrangement didn't fall exactly into the hard and fast bilateral rules, but the rules were bent (and thank goodness for that!). Hopefully the same will be case for new routes ex-DUB, possibly ex-ORK too.
Another interesting point to bear in mind is that there has been precious little news from Washington on the status of O/S talks; I think this is undoubtedly a good thing, in that if the EU was sticking to its ridiculous demand for US airline ownership, talks would probably have broken up on the first day. The longer they go on, the more likely it is that a deal can be done and hopefully the start date can be ASAP.
The fitting of crew rest areas is definitely a good signal, but I think Asia will take priority over CPT. This is really for scheduling reasons, in that if you want to maximise acft utilisation, CPT really only works if you have the aircraft returning by day, then flying on to an Asian destination. Otherwise, you end up losing a whole day's utilisation.
It looks like EI is moving forward and this is obviously a good thing, but I am a little concerned that since JetBlue is based at JFK/BOS, these are the routes served by the older 330s, so it's going to be "chalk and cheese" for transferring pax, ironically, the shorter flights have the better (by far!) IFE product; even B6's Embraer 190s have the top-of-the-line IFE, including nose camera - a real plus in these days when jump seats are a no-go!
Another interesting point to bear in mind is that there has been precious little news from Washington on the status of O/S talks; I think this is undoubtedly a good thing, in that if the EU was sticking to its ridiculous demand for US airline ownership, talks would probably have broken up on the first day. The longer they go on, the more likely it is that a deal can be done and hopefully the start date can be ASAP.
The fitting of crew rest areas is definitely a good signal, but I think Asia will take priority over CPT. This is really for scheduling reasons, in that if you want to maximise acft utilisation, CPT really only works if you have the aircraft returning by day, then flying on to an Asian destination. Otherwise, you end up losing a whole day's utilisation.
It looks like EI is moving forward and this is obviously a good thing, but I am a little concerned that since JetBlue is based at JFK/BOS, these are the routes served by the older 330s, so it's going to be "chalk and cheese" for transferring pax, ironically, the shorter flights have the better (by far!) IFE product; even B6's Embraer 190s have the top-of-the-line IFE, including nose camera - a real plus in these days when jump seats are a no-go!
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Ground staff to vote on strike action
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/bre...breaking59.htm
What's the minimum notice period for strike action? 1 week?
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/bre...breaking59.htm
What's the minimum notice period for strike action? 1 week?
Join Date: Aug 1999
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Still no word about the status of EU/US Open Skies talks, which have been taking place in the US since last Tuesday; in a sense, this is good news. If the EU were holding to its line of "no deal without change in US ownership rules", the talks would probably have foundered by now; the fact that they're still talking suggests that a deal might be in the offing. If, on the other hand, talks have actually broken down, then there should be no problem about going directly to the Americans and seeking a deal." While the Commission has taken a tough line with Ireland in the past on this issue, if talks fall through because of its inability to understand the meaning of the phrase "sod off", then it is not unreasonable for the govt to seek to protect our interests and do a deal with the Americans.
The Commission will probably call EU ministers to talks in Brussels, to explain the situation; Cullen, after such a session in December, said he was willing to wait until the end of January "but not much longer". It's time he was pressed for action.
Even if a deal is done now, something can be done for at least the end of the Summer season, provided EI can get the aircraft. With recent long haul load factors and numbers not being terribly impressive, investors and analysts are going to be all the more anxious to see movement. If no US routes can be open, time to start looking east ...
The Commission will probably call EU ministers to talks in Brussels, to explain the situation; Cullen, after such a session in December, said he was willing to wait until the end of January "but not much longer". It's time he was pressed for action.
Even if a deal is done now, something can be done for at least the end of the Summer season, provided EI can get the aircraft. With recent long haul load factors and numbers not being terribly impressive, investors and analysts are going to be all the more anxious to see movement. If no US routes can be open, time to start looking east ...
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OK, fair enough, but it is a different issue. Not saying it's unimportant or less important (certainly to Cork), but the transatlantic access issue does have an impact on ORK too.
I have a thread running on this issue on A.net, which (based on some of the more knowledgeable responses) suggests that we may be screwed. Basically, the vibe is that even if the EU Commission messes things up with its demand for changes in US airline ownership (a no go, but the EU won't accept "no"), it can hold us up indefinitely. It seems to believe it holds all the cards; worse still, the govt seems to believe so, too.
It's going to take a lot of pressure from Ireland and frankly, if Cullen isn't feeling the pressure from ground level, so to speak, it's hard to see that he will push for change. This fight may have to get very unpleasant and dirty, in that it could end up at the ECJ, but it is a necessary fight; the EU Commission clearly believes that in its bid to get an Open Skies deal, it is quite acceptable to impose/maintain a competitive disadvantage on Ireland and EI specifically. As you know, long haul is a major factor in EI's future success and if the EU holds it back, it will affect its competitive position and make it a lot easier for FR to launch a successful attack on it in future.
I'd like to see IALPA being more vocal on this; I'd like see EI itself being more vocal - it is, after all, a publicly quoted company. I don't mean to sound melodramatic, but really, this is HUGELY important to Aer Lingus and the more pressure felt at govt level, the more "incentive" there will be to put up a fight. If you want to see new routes westward, please get writing; if necessary make it an election issue, or even tie it to the Constitiution. The manner in which EI's interests are being treated is grossly unfair and unless we start fighting back and making the airline's position clear, the EU will ride roughshod over it.
I have a thread running on this issue on A.net, which (based on some of the more knowledgeable responses) suggests that we may be screwed. Basically, the vibe is that even if the EU Commission messes things up with its demand for changes in US airline ownership (a no go, but the EU won't accept "no"), it can hold us up indefinitely. It seems to believe it holds all the cards; worse still, the govt seems to believe so, too.
It's going to take a lot of pressure from Ireland and frankly, if Cullen isn't feeling the pressure from ground level, so to speak, it's hard to see that he will push for change. This fight may have to get very unpleasant and dirty, in that it could end up at the ECJ, but it is a necessary fight; the EU Commission clearly believes that in its bid to get an Open Skies deal, it is quite acceptable to impose/maintain a competitive disadvantage on Ireland and EI specifically. As you know, long haul is a major factor in EI's future success and if the EU holds it back, it will affect its competitive position and make it a lot easier for FR to launch a successful attack on it in future.
I'd like to see IALPA being more vocal on this; I'd like see EI itself being more vocal - it is, after all, a publicly quoted company. I don't mean to sound melodramatic, but really, this is HUGELY important to Aer Lingus and the more pressure felt at govt level, the more "incentive" there will be to put up a fight. If you want to see new routes westward, please get writing; if necessary make it an election issue, or even tie it to the Constitiution. The manner in which EI's interests are being treated is grossly unfair and unless we start fighting back and making the airline's position clear, the EU will ride roughshod over it.
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Bilateral
The stopover is now a massive millstone around Aerlingus.
How ironic given their unquestioning support for it for decades. Aer Rianta and SIPTU also slavishly suppoted it. How any self respecting aviation executive could defend and indeed support this regulation amazes me. I know it was government policy but surely someone could have spoken out even privately against this daft rule.
I agree that an extended delay could leave Aerlingus very vulnerable and destroy the Governments policy of having two major Irish airlines competing against each other.
How ironic given their unquestioning support for it for decades. Aer Rianta and SIPTU also slavishly suppoted it. How any self respecting aviation executive could defend and indeed support this regulation amazes me. I know it was government policy but surely someone could have spoken out even privately against this daft rule.
I agree that an extended delay could leave Aerlingus very vulnerable and destroy the Governments policy of having two major Irish airlines competing against each other.
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Foreign hub plan as Aer Lingus takes off
From the Irish Independent Today Wednesday 14th February
AER Lingus is to spread its wings by establishing its first base outside Ireland.
The move is part of an expansion which will allow the airline to establish 15 new European routes between destinations outside Ireland. The airline has already shortlisted three airports for its first foreign hub.
Industry sources said it is likely the base will be the first of several which will give Aer Lingus major new opportunities to increase revenue.
It could also help make the small but very profitable airline into a significant European player.
The airline has told trade union representatives that the changes in working conditions it is currently proposing are absolutely necessary if the plans for a new base are to go ahead.
The changes include provisions which allow Aer Lingus to employ people at foreign bases, on "local market rates", or to relocate existing employees.
SIPTU, which represents about half of all 3,500 Aer Lingus employees, served strike notice on the company yesterday, giving the company 14 days notice of industrial action.
Although serving strike notice does not necessarily mean the union will strike, sources suggested a strike was the most likely outcome.
The company is seeking a number of changes to employees' working conditions which will see some staff availing of fewer holidays while others will receive less overtime pay.
Specifically staff are being asked to accept a standard 37.5-hour working week, and to take one day in lieu for working a bank holiday instead of two.
There was further bad news for the airline last night when Aer Lingus group of unions representing 175 ground maintenance engineers and workers voted "massively" for industrial action over the company's cost-cutting contracts.
It is expected the ALGU will serve notice for strike action on the company today to take affect from Monday fortnight.
IMPACT, which represents Aer Lingus pilots and many of the cabin crew, is engaged in talks with the airline. Aer Lingus has already brought in the new conditions for new employees and plans to bring them in for existing employees on March 1.
The new conditions were outlined in a document called "Programme for Continuous Improvement 2007" which was presented to unions before Christmas. That document would also have given the trade union representatives their first hint of the airline's plans to establish foreign bases.
It states that the new bases will employ workers at "local market rates" rather than at the rates which currently apply to staff.
Aer Lingus currently has two bases, one in Dublin and one at Cork. It also has a base at Shannon but this is only for maintenance purposes.
The airline is planning to tie down the location of its first foreign base in the coming months with a view to the new routes coming on stream in January of next year.
Tickets for the new routes are expected to be offered for sale in October.
The identity of the three airports which have been shortlisted by the airline is a closely guarded secret.
Meanwhile, the airline has written to the Labour Relations Commission requesting that it refer the matter of the new terms and conditions to the National Implementation Body (NIB) "for urgent consideration".
The NIB polices national wage agreements.
SIPTU has called for the intervention of the Labour Court.
However, it only wants the court to decide on whether Aer Lingus is in breach of previous agreements, rather than deal with the substantive issues.
AER Lingus is to spread its wings by establishing its first base outside Ireland.
The move is part of an expansion which will allow the airline to establish 15 new European routes between destinations outside Ireland. The airline has already shortlisted three airports for its first foreign hub.
Industry sources said it is likely the base will be the first of several which will give Aer Lingus major new opportunities to increase revenue.
It could also help make the small but very profitable airline into a significant European player.
The airline has told trade union representatives that the changes in working conditions it is currently proposing are absolutely necessary if the plans for a new base are to go ahead.
The changes include provisions which allow Aer Lingus to employ people at foreign bases, on "local market rates", or to relocate existing employees.
SIPTU, which represents about half of all 3,500 Aer Lingus employees, served strike notice on the company yesterday, giving the company 14 days notice of industrial action.
Although serving strike notice does not necessarily mean the union will strike, sources suggested a strike was the most likely outcome.
The company is seeking a number of changes to employees' working conditions which will see some staff availing of fewer holidays while others will receive less overtime pay.
Specifically staff are being asked to accept a standard 37.5-hour working week, and to take one day in lieu for working a bank holiday instead of two.
There was further bad news for the airline last night when Aer Lingus group of unions representing 175 ground maintenance engineers and workers voted "massively" for industrial action over the company's cost-cutting contracts.
It is expected the ALGU will serve notice for strike action on the company today to take affect from Monday fortnight.
IMPACT, which represents Aer Lingus pilots and many of the cabin crew, is engaged in talks with the airline. Aer Lingus has already brought in the new conditions for new employees and plans to bring them in for existing employees on March 1.
The new conditions were outlined in a document called "Programme for Continuous Improvement 2007" which was presented to unions before Christmas. That document would also have given the trade union representatives their first hint of the airline's plans to establish foreign bases.
It states that the new bases will employ workers at "local market rates" rather than at the rates which currently apply to staff.
Aer Lingus currently has two bases, one in Dublin and one at Cork. It also has a base at Shannon but this is only for maintenance purposes.
The airline is planning to tie down the location of its first foreign base in the coming months with a view to the new routes coming on stream in January of next year.
Tickets for the new routes are expected to be offered for sale in October.
The identity of the three airports which have been shortlisted by the airline is a closely guarded secret.
Meanwhile, the airline has written to the Labour Relations Commission requesting that it refer the matter of the new terms and conditions to the National Implementation Body (NIB) "for urgent consideration".
The NIB polices national wage agreements.
SIPTU has called for the intervention of the Labour Court.
However, it only wants the court to decide on whether Aer Lingus is in breach of previous agreements, rather than deal with the substantive issues.
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My guess is that the bases are in the UK as their name recognition is huge there. Question is will they get to next January if common sense and Open skies doesn't prevail.
In fairness two days in lieu for working a Bank Holiday is unheard of in private companies. The rules of the game have changed and if EI doesn't adapt quickly Ryanair will rule the roost at DUB ORK and SNN before we're very much older.
In fairness two days in lieu for working a Bank Holiday is unheard of in private companies. The rules of the game have changed and if EI doesn't adapt quickly Ryanair will rule the roost at DUB ORK and SNN before we're very much older.
Join Date: Mar 2005
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I'd agree with the UK.
In fact, it would probably be three airports they already fly to. From scratch, GLA, EDI and BHX look like the best bets. Although, I wonder if this just relates to using Heathrow as an actual base, something which has been long rumoured.
Although, they need to get their costs under control, talking of needing to get to next January is a touch melodramatic.
In fact, it would probably be three airports they already fly to. From scratch, GLA, EDI and BHX look like the best bets. Although, I wonder if this just relates to using Heathrow as an actual base, something which has been long rumoured.
Although, they need to get their costs under control, talking of needing to get to next January is a touch melodramatic.
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'Open Skies' dependence?
There's as much threat as there is opportunity in 'Open Skies' for Aer Lingus, in my view. Some years ago we were being told that up to 26 U.S. cities were being examined by EI for service (by way of persuading Irish tourism interests to support 'Open Skies') despite the obvious impossibility of operating anything close to that number from a highly constrained Dublin, not to mention the parlous finances of the airline at the time.
The recently-proposed 3 additional gateways within an amended bilateral, with possibilities of further additions post 2008, gave a more realistic outline of the potential for Aer Lingus, taking account of the likely addition of significant capacity by U.S. carriers.
If Aer Lingus are depending on 'Open Skies' to save them, as implied by an earlier post, then they are in more trouble than I thought.
The recently-proposed 3 additional gateways within an amended bilateral, with possibilities of further additions post 2008, gave a more realistic outline of the potential for Aer Lingus, taking account of the likely addition of significant capacity by U.S. carriers.
If Aer Lingus are depending on 'Open Skies' to save them, as implied by an earlier post, then they are in more trouble than I thought.
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New Base
Perhaps its Belfast. Maybe they're launching the codeshare service to LHR with BA that was rumoured some time back. If not,I'd say the most likely location is Heathrow where they effectively have a base already, the Shannon bound plane overnights there during the summer schedule, and two Dublin bound planes overnight all year round. One question though, where will they get the planes for a new base?
en2r
There are 2 320's due in June, along with the 330-300 and 330-200 due in May, with further 320 options.
http://www.jethros.i12.com/fleets/fl...aer_lingus.htm
JAS
There are 2 320's due in June, along with the 330-300 and 330-200 due in May, with further 320 options.
http://www.jethros.i12.com/fleets/fl...aer_lingus.htm
JAS