Emerald Airlines
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Dorset
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I don't think it would make any sense, to be honest.
Stobart Air seems to have very significant liabilities - underpinned by Stobart Group which is why the Group bought it back from the administrators of Flybe as it was cheaper for them than the administrators calling in those guarantees. If you are now looking at starting a new airline to fly for Aer Lingus, you have a broad choice between acquiring Stobart and taking on those liabilities plus whatever debt has been built up through the Covid-19 survival efforts or starting from scratch with a clean balance sheet and only whatever debt you need by way of start-up financing.
Stobart Air seems to have very significant liabilities - underpinned by Stobart Group which is why the Group bought it back from the administrators of Flybe as it was cheaper for them than the administrators calling in those guarantees. If you are now looking at starting a new airline to fly for Aer Lingus, you have a broad choice between acquiring Stobart and taking on those liabilities plus whatever debt has been built up through the Covid-19 survival efforts or starting from scratch with a clean balance sheet and only whatever debt you need by way of start-up financing.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Leeds, UK & Cork, Ireland
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With the Aer Lingus franchise securing start-up finance would be much easier. The devil will be in the detail though. Can Stobart continue to use the Aer Lingus brand, would Emerald take over the new Stobart routes at BHD and PSO routes which were awarded to Stobart?
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Northern Ireland
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Stobart hold the licences for the two PSOs from Dublin. Equally, with the investment they've made into BHD in such uncertain times, I can't see why they couldn't keep those pieces running. Hence, no reason why EI could not have more than one franchisee?
There still is a long way to go between now and the end of the contract. Has to be a mechanism to ensure consistent service and reliability..
There still is a long way to go between now and the end of the contract. Has to be a mechanism to ensure consistent service and reliability..
Join Date: May 2002
Location: SW Scotland
Age: 40
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EI-BUD
It depends on the wording of the franchise agreement, but I'd imagine its an exclusive agreement, so you can't have more than one. Stobart therefore cannot operate under the Aer Lingus name, and must use their own (or licence another brand)
It depends on the wording of the franchise agreement, but I'd imagine its an exclusive agreement, so you can't have more than one. Stobart therefore cannot operate under the Aer Lingus name, and must use their own (or licence another brand)
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: London, UK
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I’m not sure why it would be exclusive. BA had multiple franchisees, as do many other airlines. There’s an argument, from the major’s point of view, that it’s sensible not to put all your eggs in one basket.
Join Date: May 2002
Location: SW Scotland
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EI-BUD
Not really, given all the reports that "stobart have lost the franchise agreement". Otherwise it would be worded "stobart have lost the main part of the agreement, but still might pick up a few routes".
And BA is not exactly a good example - their franchise partners operate in completely different markets.
Aer Lingus have never previously had multiple franchise partners, so what makes you think they're suddenly going to start having multiple partners now?
Not really, given all the reports that "stobart have lost the franchise agreement". Otherwise it would be worded "stobart have lost the main part of the agreement, but still might pick up a few routes".
And BA is not exactly a good example - their franchise partners operate in completely different markets.
Aer Lingus have never previously had multiple franchise partners, so what makes you think they're suddenly going to start having multiple partners now?
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Godalming
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Apparently Aer Lingus and Emerald have signed a memorandum of understanding and a binding contract is expected to be signed soon.
Conor McCarthy is quoted as saying “Our first two ATR72 aircraft are due for delivery later this summer, at which time we aim to have our respective approvals and operating licences in place.”
Those ATRs are being leased from Chorus Aviation Capital.
Conor McCarthy is quoted as saying “Our first two ATR72 aircraft are due for delivery later this summer, at which time we aim to have our respective approvals and operating licences in place.”
Those ATRs are being leased from Chorus Aviation Capital.
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Londonderry
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Looking like the first two will be from the three that Stobart returned last year that were allegedly destined for Loganair. Both EI-GPO/GPP have already arrived at Exeter for lease transition checks.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: U.K
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Has it been definitely stated that Emerald will take over the BHD/ORK/SNN ops as part of the EI franchise ? Do the routes belong to EI or Stobart ?, if the latter, I’d say the new owners of Stobart may have other ideas.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Northern Ireland
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This looks like starting Earlier than 2023, notice that the Stobart ATRs are starting to be painted in the summer. Interesting to see if Emerald cut back at one of the bases.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Northern Ireland
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Aer Lingus confirm 10 year deal with Emerald but not starting until 1 Jan 2023
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/202...ional-flights/
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/202...ional-flights/
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: London
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Aer Lingus said that although the contract is not due to commence for 18 months, it continues to work closely with Emerald Airlines to evaluate options with respect to an earlier contract start date in light of Stobart Air recently ceasing operations.