People love telling dramatic tales about being thrown about in turboprops like they were on a roller coaster or galiantly averting death. Having been on both the Q400 and the newer ATR aircraft I find them excellent, people forget jet aircraft get bumped around in bad weather. I think a lot of it has to do with peoples own perception of turboprops, its a bit like ford versus skoda - no matter how good skoda are they will always be skoda in peoples eyes.

There's no real issue with the Q400, if they are appropriately utilised I.e. not over worked and are well maintained.

Some of the Flybe Q400's are reaching end of lease, back in to the big Q400 pot. One might suggest that's a good opportunity for Arann. The ATR is a no brainier, it'll just slot right in to their fleet. But it's no doubt a tough call for them.

I flew on an Aer Arann ATR last winter on a particularly turbulent day at Cork Airport. In fairness it was no more bumpy than a jet for the approach and landing.

What are the differences between the current ATR72s that RE have and the new ATR72-600 and Q400!?

Is there much of an improvement in cruising speed, abs much of a capacity difference?

I'd presume any RE fleet replacement would be with one type, and the 42s would be dropped for a 72/Q400 fleet?

To my understanding the main improvements are engine and weight related. Even better performance / cost basis. Every so slightly faster cruise speed and better short feld performance.

If what I have being told is correct it will be 8 ATR72-600 and the order placed very soon....could be in weeks rather than months.

Is this going to be an new order or signing of a lease agreement ?
When will we see these aircraft?

Have read online also that RE are on the verge of making an announcement. If 8 new a/c is the correct figure, assuming they kept on the 4 new(ish) 72's, REL,REM,REO,REP and parted with the 212's and the 42's it would give them a fleet of 12 a/c. I think at present they have 10 based a/c and a further 2 I presume for charters, covering techs and also filling in whilst a/c are being re-painted. That would mean the fleet in total remaining at 12 but much less need of spares for just in case of tech issues. Would be nice to see greater growth so the brand/franchise can reach a lot more places, I think EMA, LBA, NCL etc are all possibilites and also more routes out of NOC and KIR.

If they are getting these aircraft new then they won't need to be repainted...

Which may explain why they have stopped midway. However in theory new aircraft take some time so it maybe the older fleet is painted after all, a lot would of course depend on leases and when they expire. I hope they do take in all new.

How is an airline that nearly went bust not so long ago going to finance this?

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the crew (Not sure if it was Arrann or Regional) who left their TX button on a couple of weeks ago on 126.3. It was a real rant against the company with no holds barred. He was a very angry chap but it kept us (and no doubt the Air Trafficer) tickled for the rest of a long day. Cheers guys! :ok:

Not being smart, we've all done it, but this was a real pearler.

The Biggest difference with the -600 is the new Digital Flight Deck.

What a shame?

I paid for not cheap tickets to get my family over to the Rock only to be let down by a 1 hour delay, but on their return they encountered a 2 hour delay.

Same day on both flights there was not one airline operating in and out of the Rock with one delay???????

Why do we have to continue with some green mickey mouse idiots to rely on running a schedule smoothly?

Who is responsible for the poor time keeping with this rot of an airline?

A complete dismal excuse was given when i called to ask what had happened, in fact, they were rude as hell.

DO NOT FLY WITH AER ARANN

knock on delays happen sadly ! You might well find that the aircraft that operated the flight your referring to had already operated several sectors previously and picked up delays on each of them

at least they got to where they were going safe and sound, all be it a little later than planned.




cs

Unfortunately, my family use this airline a lot and this is an occurring habit on this route.

I once had a lot of faith and booked a load of flights in advance which i will have to continue.

I hope they sort this issue as its wearing thin.

The crew are always apologetic and i fully understand its not their problem and its operational.

Which to me explains as it happens on a regular basis, is management issues?

How is an airline that nearly went bust not so long ago going to finance this?

I am not great with the proper financial issues at stake but this is my simpleistic version of events:
It is the turn around in revenue stream over the last 12-18 months that has allowed it. Aer Arann were slowly decling, so their ability to get finance was getting harder. The Stobart Group injected some cash into the operation and gave an element of security to the Aer Arann debtors. (4 new ATRs had been on order already) The deal with EI to operate under the Aer Lingus Regional franchise gave them marketing presence and a passenger feed that they had not had before. And all the public statements on the franchise operation are showing growth and positivity.

Ironically the deal that ended the Aer Arann public brand is the deal that probably saved the company from closing down.

Hi Aer Lingus Regional

Bad start to NOC/BHX first day just one hour late hope this does not continue.

Odd because it left BHX 10 mins early and was showing due into NOC 30 mins early at first and now 50 mins delay.

Frankly laughable.