akerosid
4th Dec 2005, 06:14
Well, here we go again ... 2006 looks like being a good year for Irish aviation. The first stages of pulling out the stopover will begin, new route opportunities and hopefully, a decision on the new Aer Lingus fleet in a few weeks' time.
In most countries, airlines are supported - one way or another, directly or indirectly - by their governments. It makes sense that what's good for the airline in terms of growth and new tourism and trade opportunities, is good for the economy, but what about Ireland? In order to finance its fleet plans and to take advantage of other growth opportunities, Aer Lingus will need to be privatised; the Transport minister supports it and govt policy too. Cullen may be in government, but the governing - on this and air transport generally - isn't done by the minister; it's done by the Boss. With the "support" of the unions.
Unfortunately, there's a lot of uncomfortable truth in the attached article. I wish Mr. Mannion very well, but I have an increasing sense of foreboding, that he's going to go the way of WW. He'll do a good job in the meantime - rebuild morale and product quality, develop more new routes (as he has already started to do), but ultimately, the real issue is in Ahern's hands and with an election due in 2007 and FF's wish to get into bed with Labour, Aer Lingus is going to find itself the sacrificial lamb.
http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=35&si=1519861&issue_id=13370
The best option would be for the govt to fall earlier in the coming year; the PDs are going to need to take the same hard line on this issue, as they did with the airport terminal. They may not win, but if it gets Ahern out of the way (or at the very least, gives rise to a govt which won't be quite as time sensitive and could take a more responsible view), then all the better.
It's time for IALPA and all of those with a positive interest in Aer Lingus and its growth to start speaking up; don't let it all go SIPTU's way. Ultimately, the airline will be the loser. :*
In most countries, airlines are supported - one way or another, directly or indirectly - by their governments. It makes sense that what's good for the airline in terms of growth and new tourism and trade opportunities, is good for the economy, but what about Ireland? In order to finance its fleet plans and to take advantage of other growth opportunities, Aer Lingus will need to be privatised; the Transport minister supports it and govt policy too. Cullen may be in government, but the governing - on this and air transport generally - isn't done by the minister; it's done by the Boss. With the "support" of the unions.
Unfortunately, there's a lot of uncomfortable truth in the attached article. I wish Mr. Mannion very well, but I have an increasing sense of foreboding, that he's going to go the way of WW. He'll do a good job in the meantime - rebuild morale and product quality, develop more new routes (as he has already started to do), but ultimately, the real issue is in Ahern's hands and with an election due in 2007 and FF's wish to get into bed with Labour, Aer Lingus is going to find itself the sacrificial lamb.
http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=35&si=1519861&issue_id=13370
The best option would be for the govt to fall earlier in the coming year; the PDs are going to need to take the same hard line on this issue, as they did with the airport terminal. They may not win, but if it gets Ahern out of the way (or at the very least, gives rise to a govt which won't be quite as time sensitive and could take a more responsible view), then all the better.
It's time for IALPA and all of those with a positive interest in Aer Lingus and its growth to start speaking up; don't let it all go SIPTU's way. Ultimately, the airline will be the loser. :*