The A321LRs will be in long haul configuration. They're going to replace the B752 and expand thin East Coast services. The A321ceos will probably be replaced by A320s or a separate A321 order.

They own the current 3 A321's so unless they start giving major trouble I can't see them leaving the fleet for a while yet.

It seems unlikely that the LRs would replace the A321s currently in the fleet. Admittedly they are getting on a bit, but seem to be relatively reliable. Vueling seem to be the main destination for new A320s in the IAG family and EI themselves have admitted they are struggling to make the business case for short haul fleet renewal.

Expected that Philadelphia will be announced this Wednesday.

If its PHL then all I can say ‘meh’.

Me too. This obsession with the East Coast? Hartford, JFK, EWR and then Philly?

Overkill really.

The East Coast is the region of the USA with the strongest links to Ireland. It makes perfect sense to have multiple destinations in the area. I do think however that Pittsburgh would have been a better choice for Pennsylvania, given that American already fly DUB-PHL and PIT only has two European destinations (KEF, FRA).

PIT would seem on the face of it to be more sensible. Why go head to head with another airline when there's an unserved destination just up the road?

I haven't had PHL confirmed but fairly confident.

Its typical EI in terms of route choice.

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/...line-1.3240210

There’s speculation it may even be Atlanta. Either way it seems it’s going to be head to head with another operator. I’d imagine it’ll most likely be an A330 operation seeing as it’s a route that’s already established. There’s very likely been an increase in demand over the last few years.

ATL is madness as a suggestion....it only survives for DL because of transit!

Appears EI are hoping to get some MON flight deck on board, they need quiet a few for next summer and have organised an even in Mancehster tomorrow.

I believe they need 200-250 more crew and pilots to fulfill 2018 flying.

The article just says that it's a route already served by an airline. Yes ATL is a possibility, but PHL or CLT are a lot more likely to be the new route. PHL is however the most likely option according to the rumours.

Good news about Aer Lingus holding recruiting events for MON crew, although both Virgin Atlantic and Ryanair are trying to recruit them too.

EI planning direct US to mainland Europe routes and 8 A321 will expand not replace aircraft. So 12 will allow B757 go.

Ryanair's problems have benefited them with a spike in bookings.

8 additional longhaul narrowbodies over 2 years? Wow! I'd imagine every regional airport in NE America/Canada will be banging their door down.

Day flight to JFK to return, maybe BWI to resume too?

Then YUL, DTW, PIT would all be strong contenders too IMO.

800 extra staff over the next 2 years (200 pilots alone). Over 50 from MON came to the event on Tuesday. They are roughly planning to add over a million T/A passengers by 2020 at DUB.

They also appear to be looking for another A330 or B757 for 2018 as they hope to make another route announcement.

In 2018 they are forecasting an extra 250,000 T/A passengers.

Going to be a positive few years if it all comes off.

Preclearance going to get very busy unless there's a little expansion there too!

I assume you have access to all the data relating to passenger numbers and profitable routes that EI has, this is why you are able to state that it is overkill?

There's 7 A321's on order. Not 12.

They are been leased and the lessor has a lot more than 7 on order.

TSA is the only problem at the minute.

Aer Lingus management are currently building a business case for 12 according to Willie Walsh. IAG will obviously review it and consider a top up order.