I think that BVA is leaving MAD already at 0545!

Charlie Roy

I have to agree with the NYO & BRE theory. Those extra frequencies that were promised would require extra aircraft. I wonder if thats gonna be announced tomorrow.

Doubt BRE would work to well 3 times a week with a morning departure from BRE though!

VanBosh

maybe 3 times ex BRE - 4 times ex DUB :confused: ..who knows it?

What makes you think that..??

Yeah, I fail to see how Aer Lingus is "Loved" by people today?

What is the difference sitting in an FR aircraft or an AL one? Same crap airport to get through, same grumpy check in staff and cabin crew etc etc

The glamour days of air travel are well behiond us now. Any Joe Bloogs can now afford to fly and it is seen as a tedious chore and a hassle nowadays.

Firstly, you're more likely to get cabin crew who speak English as their first language, which is nice when you're on the way back from business on your own in a country where you don't speak the language. Naturally, the Ryanair ones can speak English, but they never seem to indulge in any chit chat.

Secondly, you get 2" extra seat pitch on Aer Lingus. If you're over 6' tall, this is a definite bonus from travelling with them.

Thirdly, my experience is that when things go wrong I would prefer to be flying with them. A few months ago, with severe fog delays in Cork, Aer Lingus brought in a spare aircraft to clear the backlog, Ryanair were just cancelling flights (I had the same experience about 2 years ago as well).

Actually, I think they hold up well compared to some of the full service airlines. I know what is available when I get on board (unlike some airlines where I don't know if I'll be fed or not) and as they have to sell the food, it is generally worth eating. I do think there should be a free non-alcoholic drink on sectors over 90 minutes though.

Interesting background alright, Hobie! From the article:

"It was not clear how the pilots funded their purchase, but some sources suggested that funds from a pilots' pension scheme - The Irish Airline Pilots' Superannuation Fund - which is in surplus, may have been used."

A surplus in an Irish pension fund being used to buy 24 million Euro worth of shares? Pray, tell us more - obviously not the pension fund that had a large hole and was looking for 2-300 million Euro of the IPO money to plug it? I don't know any Irish pension funds in surplus - Mick O'Leary should give the people a job straight away running Aer Lingus.

So if he did get EI it wont be like what happened to Buzz? will it ?

James

Anyone see this article in the IT, about possible delays on t/a acces rights?

Not good news at all, particularly from a source previously thought to be very enthusiastic about the prospect of a more liberalised Irish/US agreement? Given that the proposed change would see Irish and US carriers being able to increase access to DUB, I don't see what their game is? Hopefully, it's something that can be sorted out by high level phone calls.

Not good timing from the Americans either, what with Aer Lingus soon to choose between 787s and A350s; it's not just the annoyance, but the uncertainty.

The one possible reason that occurred to me is that the US carriers are probably a little freaked out by the idea of FR/EI co-operating to operate t/a flights; possibly they lobbied the US DOT to take the foot off the accelerator a bit? (Mind you, given that FR's plans would probably involve considerably more than the 12-14 787s EI is talking about, maybe Boeing's lobbying power could come in handy here?)

I wouldnt be surprised id the big US airlines were haveing a word in the ear o the US administration. If I were DL's CEO, and I had just bet the future of the airline on International exoansion I'd be absolutley horrified. I could kiss profits from international goodbye! The same goes for CO, NW, AA, et al.

The worst part is that its not the relatively small Irish market thats at stake here but also the whole european market. :eek: And do remember ladies and gentlemen the EI is the fourth largest slot holder at LHR....now if it were to use most(if not all) of them for Long Haul...that doesnt even bear thinking about as far as US airlines(and BA/bmi) are concerned. Remember even in its present state EI has a cost base far lower than most. Being able to hold your own against FR says enough.

So perhaps Open Skies will be delayed quite a bit......

The Kiss of Death.
 

Perhaps you're right, Brian. Have a look at what the Under Secretary of Policy at the US Department of Transportation has to say in this article.

Meanwhile, IALPA's list of cringworthy underachievements sinks to a new nadir.
Yep, the very same. 8.5 million shares at €3.05. Yesterday’s market close was at €2.87, which makes for a loss of €1.53 million on the first day.
WELL DONE, LADS! Glad I don’t listen to the Dwarf for my investment advice. Gee whiz, I hope all this jiggery-pokery doesn’t drive the shares south of €2.80 again and into the sweet spot. RYR might yet not need to improve upon their offer after all. Thanks heaps, Evan. You are to investment advice what Bob Ayling was to the higher aspirations of corporate lawyers everywhere. HEMLOCK.

To a certain extent, I could understand if Ireland was held back in going to "complete" open skies until everyone else had it, BUT how is it going to adversely affect everyone else if the change in ratio goes ahead, from 1:1 to 3:1? Surely US carriers can't be happy with the status quo and having direct access to Dublin for three times as many flights can only be good?

As for EI, the uncertainty itself is costly, insofar as not knowing when it will need new acft or can introduce new routes. Please, please tell me that neither the EU and US will prevent this change; it's strangling potential and it helps absolutely no one.

The Aer Lingus pilots who bought the shares may have just made a huge mistake. According to an article I read they have made themselves liable allegations that they along with the ESOT and the Irish government may be acting in concert. Ryanair might very well report them to the Takeover Panel and it is possible that, as they own over 42% of the shares between them, may be forced to bid for the other 58% of the shares at 3.05 Euro a piece. That could cost 634m Euro. According to the writer this is unlikely but the pilots may in fact be forced to sell their shares and guess who is in the market for shares right now?
The pilots may have shot themselves in the foot!:uhoh:

No Leo, not the same pension fund but don't let the facts get in the way of one of your imbecilic rants.

Corsair, do you believe everything you read in the paper?

No indeed but you may wish to peruse the relevant section of this website particularly in relation to persons acting in concert. Good bedtime reading.:ugh:

http://www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie/