I flew on EI-CBK last week and I did hear the cabin crew saying it was going for total refit and I would agree it was worn out but clean and no bad odour! Cabin crew we're great. Maybe this is the aircraft that you have heard about sworder, I didn't catch the conversation properly.

Yep, What I have heard is the whole fleet is turning Aer Lingus Regional.The first one is already in for painting. So That looks like the end of RE. Also engineering is rumoured to be moving from GWY to hanger 6 in DUB. Its been quiet regarding news for sometime so I guess there may be some truth to these rumours.

Not quite what ive heard, but I believe RE have no intention of investing into the RE brand any further so that would make sense of what you've said. I have also heard RE are intending to open Galway flights from Apr, but nothing confirmed as yet.

The national what ?

Yes yes point taken raceco, Privatization. I should say the carrier where most people want to go / connect from DUB, HEL, ARN, FRA, CDG and LHR to name a few.

How safe EI Regional?
 

Due to go to BRS soon and SNN would suit best but seriously considering going to Dublin to fly FR.

Why- because concerned re safety of RE rustbuckets.

Am I right to be concerned?

DH

No need to be concerned if they're EI Regional. Ultimately, issues like the not so long ago nose wheel collapse will happen with old props in seriously windy conditions and a hard landing takes place - that's the way of the world - it could have been any other airline with the A/C type in a similar situation. Ultimately, maintenance is a top operation from what I've been told for RE. They're perfectly safe to fly on. If they weren't, they'd be grounded.

A little over the top? Aircraft are not that bad and are currently having new cabins etc fitted.

The majority of EIR flights currently are on very new 72-500's. FR has had its fair share of bumps and scrapes over the years.

MSN Type Delivery date Registration Manufactured
161 ATR43-200 20/12/2002 EI-BYO 1989
199 ATR43-200 16/01/2001 EI-CBK 1990
191 ATR43-200 27/04/2001 EI-CPT 1990
196 ATR43-200 22/12/2009 EI-EHH 1990
260 ATR72-202 14/02/2006 EI-REH 1991
267 ATR72-202 18/11/2005 EI-REI 2008
748 ATR72-212A 08/03/2008 EI-REL 2008
760 ATR72-212A 01/08/2008 EI-REM 2008
787 ATR72-212A 12/08/2008 EI-REO 2008
797 ATR72-212A 12/08/2008 EI-REP 2008
387 ATR72-212 03/06/2010 EI-SLL 1995
413 ATR72-212 21/06/2010 EI-SLM 1994

There are five new-ish aicraft, the rest are all over seventeen years old with the oldest at twenty three years. Not all fly for Aer Lingus though.
Courtesy of www.airfleets.net
Aer Arann EI-BYO (ATR 42/72 - MSN 161) (Ex OY-CIS ) | Airfleets aviation

And how old is the bmibaby fleet, some of jet2's, thomson, tcx and monarchs 757's??? They're not exaclty young!

SNN-BRS is operated by one of the newer ATR 72 which is based in Cork.

That list should also include another ATR-72, EI-SLN!

Where's me cap! ;)

For a site that is supposed to be for aviation professionals i am very surprised by the comment above. aircraft age is less important to how well maintained. the comment above re the nosewheel collapse... dash 8 aircraft of much newer vintage have suffered their fair share of gear problems. whilst not exactly glamourous on the inside at the moment as has been mentioned this is likely changing. i remember everyone being perfectly happy to fly ryanair when they had old bac111 and old 737s. ias pointed out above it wouldnt be able to fly if it was unsafe

I fly EIR/RE fairly regularly and whilst I admit some of the cabin interiors could do with a refresh, I have ABSOLUTE confidence in the maintenance of the aircraft and professionalism of the crews in the highly unlikely event of something untoward occurring. I would be more likely to avoid another airline where I have serious doubts about cabin crew abilities away from sales and am concerned at communication issues on UK/Irish routes where the majority of crew have English as a second language and cannot make themselves understood over the PA or when giving out simple instructions during cabin securing, resulting in frustration on both sides and subsequent arguments.

EI mainline crew are generally second to none in both professionalism and courtesy.

Why not just say Ryanair rather than using mealy mouthed innuendo.

here we go again FR V EIN, national carrier, can't speak on PA's etc......when will this horse manure ever stop?

All Ryanair cabin crew are tested and must pass with ICAO level 4 or above. Some of us have a lovely PA voice ;)

fr-

Indeed some of you do and it's a joy to hear you and I appreciate your pride in your role and empathy with the pax. :ok: Thank you (sincerely).

What I don't enjoy is being barked at with one or two word commands without the use of 'please' or 'thank you' or a smile

I find this prevalent in some companies more than others (I'm talking generally in the service and travel industry) and I am lucky to have the choice to take my business elsewhere when I feel that, on the whole, the customer service model itself is lacking.

I'll say AGAIN what I've said before, I have no beef with FR, you get what you pay for and, on that basis, they've never let me down. However, I treat them much like the NHS and private medical insurance - they're great when you need them but wherever possible, I'll pay to take my business elsewhere and leave a seat for those less fortunate.

No, and I'd love to know what your 'safety concerns' are. :rolleyes: