Its April and they are short aircraft yet one more due but with all the seasonal routes starting in the next few weeks and there is more than one tech fault there operations will have problems. Very few gaps on their schedules for tech problems that are in anyway major.

Could be a run of bad look but one of the VS aircraft when tech and EI had to sen there ones to operate while the new A319 had problems the day after it started service. In May and June there just isn't room for this to happen.

Isn't that the way every peak season with most airlines?

Contingency
 

eI just short a back up on a few days until A319 arrives
More of an issue is crew ....
A busy summer ahead and yes you will see subs every week

Didn't even think about crewing, supose most of the part time crew are only contracted between May and September.

Tis true there is little spare capacity during summer which is a good thing. Should firefighting be required to cover for things like tech issues then load/connections permitting a LHR flight will often be merged freeing up an aircraft. There is usually a plan b, c and d before they get to a hire in which obviously is a last resort due to cost.

Aer Lingus have submitted proposels for a route to SFO or SJC, they want to know the interest and possible financial commitment from all the companies based here. The financial commitment will be the test if its just talk or are these companies serous about the service.

Would post the link but you need to subscribe to read it.

Whats the website out of interest?

Sunday Business Post

The Sunday Business Post

EI from Alicante to Dublin cancelled last night? Anyone know why?

Diverted into Barcelona, caused DUB-PMI-DUB to be cancelled this morning but PMI-ORK has taken some of the retrun passengers back tonight. The aircraft operated from BCN this evening AFAIK.

Aer Lingus to pursue further wet leasing opportunities after Virgin Atlantic deal:

Aer Lingus to pursue 'wet-leasing' contracts with other carriers - Tourism News | Travel & Tourism Industry News | The Irish Times - Wed, Apr 24, 2013

Also interesting article in the Sunday Business Post on Aer Lingus' future strategy:

The Sunday Business Post - Aer Lingus pieces together an independent future

It's interesting how things come full circle in time. During the 1970's Aer Lingus were big in the leasing business but abandoned it.

Ain't that the truth. Grab the business plan from 10-15 years ago and its not far off what we are doing now. Futura was the charter side. There was a commuter fleet of turbo props - now filled by Aer Lingus Regional. Heavy aircraft were sent away on gigs like the Bali contract. The 737s spent some time in Italy amongst other places. Flight deck crews would often avail of special leave during downturns and fly all over the world before returning to the fold to take up commands when senior enough. Only thing missing now are dedicated or quick change cargo aircraft.

Only difference is that in the intervening period AL let go all the talent that had specialist skills in these areas. No doubt the young guns will think they can do a better job.

post #1410 wasn't a clue ?

Ryanair have failed to block a UK Competition Commission investigation. Good News!

State to hold onto it's stake in Aer Lingus until Ryanair sell theirs:

State 'wants two airlines to remain' ? chairman of Aer Lingus - Independent.ie

Slot sale
 

Find that article hard to believe and NOT discussed at this weeks meeting , given BA have any amount of slots at the moment and EI are seeking to buy slots seems article is way out ??? Maybe I am wrong ?

Perhaps BA are willing to sell EI a slot at that time? But I can't think that's the case as that's when most of BA's fleet leave in the morning. TBH, I can't see many passengers wanting to go from LHR to DUB at that time, I think it's probably quite likely that this route may have been losing money for EI. If it was a 6:50 arrival slot and 22:50 departure then I imagine EI would have a big use for it, but not the way it is.