Emerald Airlines

[Downwind_Left]

I think 2 issues at play;

1. Its not a rehashed operation. This isnt a phoenix company from Stobart Air, they're setting up from scratch as far as their AOC, aircraft and staff are concerned. There will be a minimum lead time for that.
2. IAG may prefer to use their own EI A320s and BA E190s for these fights at times of reduced demand, rather than bring in a third party which causes those aircraft to sit idle.

[EGTE]

Emerald Airlines ATR.72 EI-GPP flew from Exeter to Dublin earlier today. Call-sign Gemstone (EAI) 1072P.

[SWBKCB]

Wasn't Gemstone the callsign of the old 748 operating Emerald? Just a coincidence or is there some connnection?

[Albert Hall]

My guess is that it's a pure coincidence - Emerald > Gemstone - and the callsign is available. Or in other words, I can't see why anyone would deliberately want to associate themselves with the former Liverpool 748/ATP operator, which I think still remains the only airline to this day to have its AOC actually withdrawn by the UK CAA!

[lfc84]

In terms of call sign...... Joe public won't know or care​​​​

[willy wombat]

Why not use “emerald” as a call sign? Off the cuff I can’t think of any conflict.

[dc9-32]

Stobart ceasing ops recently was no doubt part of the bigger plan. Run out of money so rather than pay it back, go bust. Step in Emerald which was being created in the background all the time Stobart was losing money. Call me cynical, but I'd say Aer Lingus, Stobart, Emerald were all hatching this plan.

[Alteagod]

Oh I would say there is an element of truth in that. The circles that Irish airline execs and other staff move around in is tiny. Its all the same staff, only think that changes is the uniform in my experience of working in Dublin Airport

[EGTE]

Emerald is allocated as a call sign to Westair Aviation Ltd according to the FAA Contractions website

FAA Contractions

[willy wombat]

That’s me told then.

[pabely]

They have their AOC now https://www.rte.ie/news/business/202...r-certificate/

[harriewillem]

16M cash in hand, dont think we get monthly updates... but would be nice... They will struggle, Ryanair flying to Kerry now from Dublin too.

Emerald Airlines set for takeoff with €16m cash in hand | Business Post

Let the cashburn start..

[Alteagod]

That's the first month's landing fees covered

[Shamrock350]

Ryanair won’t last on Kerry-Dublin, the launch was a mess, the loads are woeful and they’ve already warned they’re only committed to the route until February which is hardly a ringing endorsement of its performance.

Emerald will be focused on the Aer Lingus Regional network from Dublin before anything else, they’ll probably be interested in the Donegal PSO as well when that opens for tender again.

[jmdavies86]

Shamrock350, it was put out for tender earlier this week.

https://www.independent.ie/business/...-40816552.html

I imagine it'll be a two-horse race between Emerald and the current operator, Amapola.

Amapola are currently operating the route on a temporary basis utilising a Fokker 50, whereas Emerald will likely use an ATR42/72, so I'll be amazed if Emerald don't win it.

[BA318]

Amapola have a very good reputation. Consistently profitable and experienced in operating PSO flights. Their aircraft are also well maintained. I wouldn't write them off yet.

[harriewillem]

Amapola and the Fokker 50 are great, alltough I am biased being Dutch

Took a ride on the service couple weeks back just for the craic.

Think there will be a few bidders now, Eastern, Logan as well but do think it will be Emerald.. some nice politics will play in background... but do hope Amapola is rewarded for the great service they did with an extension... but am affraid...

[Uplinker]

Hi Willy, "Gemstone" is a much stronger call-sign than "Emerald":

Two syllables instead of three, so quicker and easier to say in busy airspace.

The "J" sound of 'gem' and "St" sound of 'stone' will be much clearer and will stand out much more over a noisy RT than the much softer sounding 'emerald'.

Having been met with blank looks and incomprehension when I tried to persuade a previous airline to use better call-signs and with fewer syllables; I am sure that none of the above were management considerations though !

[Flightrider]

UK carriers are no longer community air carriers so are unable to bid for PSOs within the EU.

[harriewillem]

Thanks Flightrider, did not think of that #lovebrexitbestthingevertohappenafterslicedbread