Emerald Airlines

[Jenny Tails]

It appears there is a new Irish start up vying for the EI regional business. Conor McCarthy is heading up the company.

[SWBKCB]

Dublin Aerospace - who have just taken over Flybe's engineering company

[Geriaviator]

Wasn't there an Emerald Airways working from EGAA 40 years ago? Seem to recall a couple of Daks and px version of the Short Skyvan. Memory shaky but I think the much respected Mike Woodgate flew the Daks before founding the charter company that still bears his name.

[G-MILF]

There was an Emerald Airways, based Liverpool I think maybe 10 years or so ago. Used to do a lot of cargo flying on HS748's and also passenger flights to Isle of Man on ATP's which eventually got taken over by Manx. They had their AOC suspended by the CAA and then ultimately disappeared from memory.

[fjencl]

if they win the contract then it will be interesting what type of aircraft they bring in to operate the routes. Time will tell .

[SWBKCB]

It won't be Atp's...

[feroxeng]

Geriaviator - Quite correct on the history of Emerald Airways. Founded by Walter Scott, but there wasn't the business and the Skyvan 2 with horrible Astazous was less than perfect. I was Flight Test Engineer on production testing on both G-ATPF and 'G. G-ATPF was the first Skyvan flown with the big back door open - a very small claim to fame and mark in history!
Graham

[CabinCrewe]

fjencl

I dont think there would be any surprise with a glut of ex EIr ATRs and BE DH8s.

[sunnybunny]

G-MILF

I flew with emerald to Isle of Man once. Interesting experience as there was a bad thunderstorm in the way , the pilot tried to avoid by going past Dublin then decided to just go for it through the middle. Quite scary!

the return was less exciting , we had to wait 90 minutes for our baggage. The Emerald rep told us EasyJet regularly ‘bribed’ the ground staff to service their aircraft first to achieve turn round times.

only flew with them as they were cheaper and quicker than the catamaran ferry.

[BACsuperVC10]

They were originally from Blackpool and known as Janes Aviation, they changed their name to Emerald when they moved to Liverpool where their cargo and passenger ops grew with the introduction of ATPs , it was HS748s firstly. They competed with Euromanx I think.

[Gurnard]

If I remember correctly Euromanx took over the passenger ops while Emerald continued for another year with freight. You're right that it was formerly Janes Aviation. The company had more than 20 HS748s. Not to confuse matters, the other Emerald operated Skyvans in the 1960s. Not related.

[BACsuperVC10]

It all seems so long ago now, and I cant recall everything. Did Manx become Euromanx ? Anyhow when they were both operating at their height the combo of Emerald and Euromanx really pushed up the passenger figures on LPL-IOM-LPL.

[Webby737]

Nothing to do with the old UK airline, but it looks like Connor McCarthy (of Dublin Aerospace) has applied for a new Irish AOC.
Interesting to see if it happens !
https://www.irishtimes.com/topics/topics-7.1213540?article=true&tag_company=Emerald+Airlines

[Dougal McGuire]

EI Regional contract awarded to Emerald Airlines, as per the Irish Independent
McCarthy clinches contract for Aer Lingus Regional
https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/mccarthy-clinches-contract-for-aer-lingus-regional-39745380.html

[The96er]

interesting news, no doubt Stobart’s involvement with the Flybe/Virgin venture did them no favours with IAG.

[allan1987]

While this interesting, im going to guess the Cityjet buying Stobart Air might be cancelled then?

[SWBKCB]

Without the EIR contract, does Stobart Air have a value? This does seem to have moved very quickly.

[The96er]

Who would want to buy and airline with £100 million liability and no future work. Stobart were looking to sell the airline by the end of the year !

[Alteagod]

Almost bizarrely quickly, almost as if its all part of a bigger picture that us mere mortals don't know what all the parts are.

[theexpandingman]

Surely a deal has been done between this new Emerald outfit and Stobart Group for the sale of Stobart Air to Emerald. Nothing else makes sense.

Emerald are about a month old with no aircraft, staff or track record. They must be buying Stobart Air and have based the bid around that and maybe the promise of injecting some cash.

[commit aviation]

This is aviation. I'm not sure making sense is a prerequisite!! :-)

[Albert Hall]

I don't think it would make any sense, to be honest.

Stobart Air seems to have very significant liabilities - underpinned by Stobart Group which is why the Group bought it back from the administrators of Flybe as it was cheaper for them than the administrators calling in those guarantees. If you are now looking at starting a new airline to fly for Aer Lingus, you have a broad choice between acquiring Stobart and taking on those liabilities plus whatever debt has been built up through the Covid-19 survival efforts or starting from scratch with a clean balance sheet and only whatever debt you need by way of start-up financing.

[brian_dromey]

With the Aer Lingus franchise securing start-up finance would be much easier. The devil will be in the detail though. Can Stobart continue to use the Aer Lingus brand, would Emerald take over the new Stobart routes at BHD and PSO routes which were awarded to Stobart?

[EI-BUD]

Stobart hold the licences for the two PSOs from Dublin. Equally, with the investment they've made into BHD in such uncertain times, I can't see why they couldn't keep those pieces running. Hence, no reason why EI could not have more than one franchisee?
There still is a long way to go between now and the end of the contract. Has to be a mechanism to ensure consistent service and reliability..

[Alteagod]

An Irish solution to an Irish problem as I think Lloyd George said

[Robert-Ryan]

Jethro is reporting a 2023 start date...at least he has given himself time to prepare!!

[nighthawk117]

EI-BUD

It depends on the wording of the franchise agreement, but I'd imagine its an exclusive agreement, so you can't have more than one. Stobart therefore cannot operate under the Aer Lingus name, and must use their own (or licence another brand)

[willy wombat]

I’m not sure why it would be exclusive. BA had multiple franchisees, as do many other airlines. There’s an argument, from the major’s point of view, that it’s sensible not to put all your eggs in one basket.

[EI-BUD]

nighthawk117

Of course it depends on the wording.
'so you can't have more than one' - that is a bit of a stretched assumption.

[nighthawk117]

EI-BUD

Not really, given all the reports that "stobart have lost the franchise agreement". Otherwise it would be worded "stobart have lost the main part of the agreement, but still might pick up a few routes".

And BA is not exactly a good example - their franchise partners operate in completely different markets.

Aer Lingus have never previously had multiple franchise partners, so what makes you think they're suddenly going to start having multiple partners now?

[jmdavies86]

Apparently Aer Lingus and Emerald have signed a memorandum of understanding and a binding contract is expected to be signed soon.

Conor McCarthy is quoted as saying “Our first two ATR72 aircraft are due for delivery later this summer, at which time we aim to have our respective approvals and operating licences in place.”

Those ATRs are being leased from Chorus Aviation Capital.

[Fly757X]

Looking like the first two will be from the three that Stobart returned last year that were allegedly destined for Loganair. Both EI-GPO/GPP have already arrived at Exeter for lease transition checks.

[fjencl]

So do we think that Emerald will hire all of the cabin and flight deck crew off Stobart, when Emerald take over.

[The96er]

Has it been definitely stated that Emerald will take over the BHD/ORK/SNN ops as part of the EI franchise ? Do the routes belong to EI or Stobart ?, if the latter, I’d say the new owners of Stobart may have other ideas.

[allan1987]

This looks like starting Earlier than 2023, notice that the Stobart ATRs are starting to be painted in the summer. Interesting to see if Emerald cut back at one of the bases.

[Alteagod]

They all have uk registrations under the EI regs and the Irish flag has been removed so whatever is happening must be happening fairly soon one would hope

[EGTE]

A further ATR is due at Exeter tomorrow for return to lessor work. VH-VPJ formerly with Virgin Australia. Perhaps another candidate for Emerald?

[allan1987]

Aer Lingus confirm 10 year deal with Emerald but not starting until 1 Jan 2023

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2021/0804/1238937-emerald-airlines-to-operate-aer-lingus-regional-flights/

[fjencl]

Aer Lingus said that although the contract is not due to commence for 18 months, it continues to work closely with Emerald Airlines to evaluate options with respect to an earlier contract start date in light of Stobart Air recently ceasing operations.

[CabinCrewe]

Not sure why there would be such a delay to 2023- surely that type of essentially re-hashed operation could be up and running within 6 months or even with 2021?

[Downwind_Left]

I think 2 issues at play;

Its not a rehashed operation. This isnt a phoenix company from Stobart Air, they're setting up from scratch as far as their AOC, aircraft and staff are concerned. There will be a minimum lead time for that.
IAG may prefer to use their own EI A320s and BA E190s for these fights at times of reduced demand, rather than bring in a third party which causes those aircraft to sit idle.

[EGTE]

Emerald Airlines ATR.72 EI-GPP flew from Exeter to Dublin earlier today. Call-sign Gemstone (EAI) 1072P.

[SWBKCB]

Wasn't Gemstone the callsign of the old 748 operating Emerald? Just a coincidence or is there some connnection?

[Albert Hall]

My guess is that it's a pure coincidence - Emerald > Gemstone - and the callsign is available. Or in other words, I can't see why anyone would deliberately want to associate themselves with the former Liverpool 748/ATP operator, which I think still remains the only airline to this day to have its AOC actually withdrawn by the UK CAA!

[lfc84]

In terms of call sign...... Joe public won't know or care​​​​

[willy wombat]

Why not use “emerald” as a call sign? Off the cuff I can’t think of any conflict.

[dc9-32]

Stobart ceasing ops recently was no doubt part of the bigger plan. Run out of money so rather than pay it back, go bust. Step in Emerald which was being created in the background all the time Stobart was losing money. Call me cynical, but I'd say Aer Lingus, Stobart, Emerald were all hatching this plan.

[Alteagod]

Oh I would say there is an element of truth in that. The circles that Irish airline execs and other staff move around in is tiny. Its all the same staff, only think that changes is the uniform in my experience of working in Dublin Airport

[EGTE]

Emerald is allocated as a call sign to Westair Aviation Ltd according to the FAA Contractions website

FAA Contractions (https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/CNT.pdf)

[willy wombat]

That’s me told then.

[pabely]

They have their AOC now https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2021/0906/1244929-emerald-airlines-is-granted-an-air-operator-certificate/

[harriewillem]

16M cash in hand, dont think we get monthly updates... but would be nice... They will struggle, Ryanair flying to Kerry now from Dublin too.

Emerald Airlines set for takeoff with €16m cash in hand | Business Post (https://www.businesspost.ie/aviation/emerald-airlines-set-for-takeoff-with-eur16m-cash-in-hand-1a8ea28e)

Let the cashburn start..

[Alteagod]

That's the first month's landing fees covered

[Shamrock350]

Ryanair won’t last on Kerry-Dublin, the launch was a mess, the loads are woeful and they’ve already warned they’re only committed to the route until February which is hardly a ringing endorsement of its performance.

Emerald will be focused on the Aer Lingus Regional network from Dublin before anything else, they’ll probably be interested in the Donegal PSO as well when that opens for tender again.

[jmdavies86]

Shamrock350, it was put out for tender earlier this week.

https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/donegal-flight-service-contract-out-for-tender-40816552.html

I imagine it'll be a two-horse race between Emerald and the current operator, Amapola.

Amapola are currently operating the route on a temporary basis utilising a Fokker 50, whereas Emerald will likely use an ATR42/72, so I'll be amazed if Emerald don't win it.

[BA318]

Amapola have a very good reputation. Consistently profitable and experienced in operating PSO flights. Their aircraft are also well maintained. I wouldn't write them off yet.

[harriewillem]

Amapola and the Fokker 50 are great, alltough I am biased being Dutch :)

Took a ride on the service couple weeks back just for the craic.

Think there will be a few bidders now, Eastern, Logan as well but do think it will be Emerald.. some nice politics will play in background... but do hope Amapola is rewarded for the great service they did with an extension... but am affraid...

[Uplinker]

Hi Willy, "Gemstone" is a much stronger call-sign than "Emerald":

Two syllables instead of three, so quicker and easier to say in busy airspace.

The "J" sound of 'gem' and "St" sound of 'stone' will be much clearer and will stand out much more over a noisy RT than the much softer sounding 'emerald'.

Having been met with blank looks and incomprehension when I tried to persuade a previous airline to use better call-signs and with fewer syllables; I am sure that none of the above were management considerations though !

[Flightrider]

UK carriers are no longer community air carriers so are unable to bid for PSOs within the EU.

[harriewillem]

Thanks Flightrider, did not think of that #lovebrexitbestthingevertohappenafterslicedbread

[OzzyOzBorn]

You don't want to reopen that debate! Suffice to say that it is a complex and multi-faceted subject. Brexit was not about trade alone (although you wouldn't guess that from the way it is reported). The federal superstate agenda ("ever closer union") and the unaccountability of EU politicians and institutions were major factors too. There are positives and negatives across the board, but you would be surprised how many think that Brexit is a very good thing.

[harriewillem]

A PSO in Finland has been awarded and might give an idea on who will be interested in this one too:


TransAviaBaltika (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/XA6) (KTB, Kaunas (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/2700)) has been awarded a EUR5.7 million (USD6.7 million) Finnish domestic public service obligation (PSO) route to handle traffic between Helsinki Vantaa (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/1681) and the town of Savonlinna (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/1698) in the south-east of the country, the transport agency Traficom has revealed.

The deal, whose costs will be borne equally by both the Finnish state and the municipality of Savonlinna of 32,700 inhabitants, cover the period from October 4 this year to December 20, 2024. The route is not currently served, according to the ch-aviation capacities (https://pro.ch-aviation.com/#chaviationprocapacity) module, and was last operated as a scheduled passenger service before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, courtesy of Latvia’s RAF-Avia (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/MTL) (MTL, Riga (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/2706)).

TransAviaBaltika will operate the same number of frequencies as before - two daily round-trip flights on weekdays, with the exception of Fridays when one will take place.

“A regular air traffic connection is perceived as very important for international industry and business life in Savonlinna as air traffic resumes after a stop of more than a year and a return to normal air traffic begins. Likewise, this continuation of air traffic guarantees the year-round operation of Savonlinna Airport and we can launch, for example, the marketing of charter flights on this basis,” said Jarmo Häkkinen, business director at Savonlinna municipality.

However, Traficom’s director, Pipsa Eklund, told the Finnish broadcaster Yle that no large-scale flow of passengers is expected and that the minimum requirement for the type of aircraft had been reduced to 19 seats.

“We have estimated the number of passengers at five to ten passengers per plane,” she said.

Traficom received seven tender applications, of which the lowest-priced offer won. Despite the limited passenger expectations, the number of offers was a positive surprise, she added.

The tender was announced on June 29 with a deadline of August 30. According to a document detailing the procurement decision, six of the seven were found to meet the conditions of the competition, none of which were Finnish. They provided the following offers, explaining TransAviaBaltika’s victory:

Amapola Flyg (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/APF) (HP, Stockholm Arlanda (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/3924)) EUR9,529,954 (USD11.24 million)
Budapest Aircraft Services (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/BPS) (RP, Budapest (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/2093)) EUR6,535,583 (USD7.71 million)
DAT (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/DX1) (DX, Kolding (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/1493)) EUR12,621,585 (USD14.88 million)
Nordic Aviation Group dba Nordica (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/NOC) (ND, Tallinn Lennart Meri (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/1576)) EUR8,978,778 (USD10.59 million)
NyxAir (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/NYX) (NYX, Tallinn Lennart Meri (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/1576)) EUR7,402,431 (USD8.73 million)
TransAviaBaltika EUR5,711,215 (USD6.73 million)

TransAviaBaltika operates three Let 410 (https://www.ch-aviation.com/aircraft-data/L4T) and two Jetstream 31 (https://www.ch-aviation.com/aircraft-data/J31)/2 turboprops, according to its website.About TransAviaBaltika Type Passenger Charter (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/entity/XA6) Base Kauna (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/KUN)

[allan1987]

Emerald Airlines to lease four aircraft from NAC

EMERALD Airlines, Conor McCarthy’s start-up carrier that will operate the Aer Lingus Regional service, has agreed to lease four aircraft from Limerick-based lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC).
Emerald has committed to the lease deal for the turboprop ATR 72-600 aircraft as the carrier gears up to launch services after receiving its air operator certificate last month.

https://www.independent.ie/business/emerald-airlines-to-lease-four-aircraft-from-nac-40915150.html

This brings up the number of ATR 72-600 to 10

[allan1987]

First Emerald Airlines ATR 72-600 Painted in Aer Lingus Regional Livery (EI-GPP)
Seems to be in Blue,White and Green Colours

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ibirdball/51695872686/

[harriewillem]

Think the flash / night makes it look blue, its the "green" EI are using....

EI-GPP Aer Lingus Regional ATR 72-600 (72-212A) Photo by Bradley Bygrave | ID 1223183 | Planespotters.net (https://www.planespotters.net/photo/1223183/ei-gpp-aer-lingus-regional-atr-72-600-72-212a)

[Andy Moss]

Yes, waiting anxiously

[bazilbutler]

Anyone know more details about a UK AOC?

[Alteagod]

Must be on the cards see they looking flight crew and cabin crew for Belfast. A bit of a two fingers to BE. I suppose the race to the bottom will begin in ernist in new year see you can run who off what routes.

[Jamesair1]

Does anyone know which Uk routes they will be operating on behalf of Aer Lingus?

[Alteagod]

Apperantly all the old Stobart ones

[jmdavies86]

I assume they'll also be the front-runners to operate the DUB-CFN route once the short-term contract that was awarded to Amapola Flyg comes to an end and they'll also probably take on DUB-KIR if/when Ryanair decides to stop operating a B737 on this route as it'll more than likely then revert back to a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract?

[VickersVicount]

Apperantly all the old Stobart ones
From the DUB perhaps… all the others are to be confirmed/decided

[OltonPete]

Does anyone know which Uk routes they will be operating on behalf of Aer Lingus?

Well Ryanair are making sure they don't get too many ides about BHX routes - First Shannon, then Cork and now Knock twice a week from 29th March. Never thought I would say this but ideal operator for the route and right frequency.

Pete

[Downwind_Left]

Does anyone know which Uk routes they will be operating on behalf of Aer Lingus?

I’d say entirely dependent on the rate of recovery from COVID. If Omicron sets things back significantly Aer Lingus and Cityflyer may want to continue using their own fleet on the Belfast network for want of anything better to do with those aircraft. If the business environment for airlines improves significantly, maybe they will vacate those routes for others to operate.

As Emerald are only a franchise, and not part of IAG. It would make no economic sense to vacate the Belfast network and hand that work over to a 3rd party operation, even if painted in Aer Lingus colours, and have IAG owned and operated aircraft sit idle as a result. To say nothing of some of the revenue going to a 3rd party also.

[EI-BUD]

Well Ryanair are making sure they don't get too many ides about BHX routes - First Shannon, then Cork and now Knock twice a week from 29th March. Never thought I would say this but ideal operator for the route and right frequency.

Pete

My take on this is that if Emerald is headed for a similar fleet size to what Stobart had, and now supposing a sizeable BHD operation combined with the DUB network, it is argueable that routes to/from Cork, or Shannon would be less a priority. Pre pandemic Stobart had the fleet fully operational without a BHD operation and had about 24 EI routes, argueable to say that Ryanair can get on with it. Knock wasn't a likely destination. Perhaps Ryanair sensed that Flybe might add Knock Birmingham and decided to have it for themselves. Ryanair has always been very kind to Knock and supported the airport through thick and thin.
​​​​

[harriewillem]

If you think the EI franchise even in good times was a "bad contract" what are they going to make of it now... as with the franchise the commercial risk is with Emerald and still 12 months to go till start. The three units GPN/O/P are just doing some crew training flights by the seems of it... cash out to the max this.. in SEP21 McCarthy said 16M was in the bank account... would love to know how much he has drained in 3 months..

[Flightrider]

They are sufficiently astute as to be well ahead of the issue you highlight, and only on the hook for full outgoings for the aircraft once they start generating revenue. And when you've got your own engineers to look after them, incremental cost isn't huge there either. Main outlay will be on salaries for management and the limited number of crews already on payroll but I'm pretty sure their outgoings will be only as much as they expected them to be.

Has anyone actually said the EI franchise was a "bad contract"? I'm not sure they have.

Tomorrow is another day - but perhaps slightly more than that if you're Emerald. Let's see whether there is genuinely a year to wait until they get flying in earnest....

[SWBKCB]

Has anyone actually said the EI franchise was a "bad contract"? I'm not sure they have.

Stobart where only flying the EI contract and went bust, but..

Let's see whether there is genuinely a year to wait until they get flying in earnest....

Thought the ATR's were in the summer schedule?

[Expressflight]

Stobart where only flying the EI contract and when bust, but..

Stobart were not flying only the EI contract.

They also had an extensive network under the BE franchise with problematic EMB 195s in the fleet but it was really the liabilities that existed within the ATR fleet leases that resulted in the liquidation of Stobart Air. Esken still carry some of those contingent liabilities today.

[SWBKCB]

Stobart were not flying only the EI contract.

They also had an extensive network under the BE franchise with problematic EMB 195s in the fleet but it was really the liabilities that existed within the ATR fleet leases that resulted in the liquidation of Stobart Air. Esken still carry some of those contingent liabilities today.

They dabbled in a number of ventures - most of them short term - but the major core of the business was the EI contract, and for long periods of time the only part of the business.

Presumably Emerald won't have the same ATR lease issues?

[wanna]

They dabbled in a number of ventures - most of them short term - but the major core of the business was the EI contract, and for long periods of time the only part of the business.

Presumably Emerald won't have the same ATR lease issues?

I think its fairly well established Stobarts issues started with Flybe and Connect. Then just as that all cam tumbling down COVID hit. Prior to all this and when just under the EI contract it was a profitable business that worked. Wasn't it Walsh that said they had got distracted by far away hills? Too many pies and not enough fingers.

[brian_dromey]

I think its fairly well established Stobarts issues started with Flybe and Connect. Then just as that all cam tumbling down COVID hit. Prior to all this and when just under the EI contract it was a profitable business that worked. Wasn't it Walsh that said they had got distracted by far away hills? Too many pies and not enough fingers.

That was certainly mentioned at the time, can't remember by who. RE was looking to grow/merge for sometime, they had a brief tryst with Cityjet too. Stobart seemed like a good idea - but has a combined airline/airport (± a haulage business) ever worked? The truth is that airlines, airports and ground handlers have competing interests and there isn't much room for synergy. flyBe was a financial black hole for many years, but a combination of Virgin, RE and BE was sold as a cure-all. Again, there was little synergy in this trifecta and no obvious network opportunities. Worse again, EI/IAG were less than pleased about it and gave their regional flying to a start-up, the SAS contract at flyBe was ended. The future was bleak even before COVID hit.

Emerald might be fortunate in its timing. All being well travel should be strong over the summer, if they get their aircraft in the air. BHD should continue to perform well. The only fly in the ointment will be FRs increased presence on UK-Ireland routes and what EI do with teh transatlantic summer schedule - if it is significantly pruned then the transfer opportunities will be less. I wish them well though as the model is fundamentally sound.

[SWBKCB]

Tomorrow is another day - but perhaps slightly more than that if you're Emerald. Let's see whether there is genuinely a year to wait until they get flying in earnest....
The Aer Lingus Regional flights, operated under a franchise agreement by Emerald Airlines, will begin on March 17.

Emerald Airlines plans to fly over 340 flights per week across 11 routes from March.

It said that high-frequency routes, including Dublin-Edinburgh and Dublin-Glasgow, will be served up to four times a day.Emerald has also established an airline company in Northern Ireland (Emerald Airlines UK Ltd) and has applied to the UK CAA for a UK AOC and Operating Licence.

"We are very confident that this will result in long-term connectivity being maintained across the Irish Sea and will boost business and leisure travel between Northern Ireland and Britain," the airline's CEO said.

"We have already reached a long-term commercial agreement with George Best Belfast City Airport and look forward to connecting Belfast to many cities in the UK as soon as possible in 2022. Further details, routes and launch dates in relation to the Belfast operation will be announced in the New Year," he added.


https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2021/1216/1267163-aer-lingus-emerald-airlines-operations/

[VickersVicount]

Im surprised suggestion some routes would have mainline EI as well as Emerald operating simultaneously? Given current circumstances and international connections, surely high frequency Emerald can provide suitable capacity as before, even if some want A320s on the route (though long haul connecting luggage needs bigger bins than ATRs!)

[jmdavies86]

According to ch-aviation (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/110859-irelands-emerald-airlines-to-begin-aer-lingus-ops-in-1q22):

GLA - up to x4 daily from 17th March
IOM - x6 weekly from 17th March
BHX - up to x3x daily from 27th March
BRS - up to x3 daily from 27th March
EDI - up to x4 daily from 27th March
MAN - up to x3 daily from 27th March
LBA - up to x2 daily from 15th April
NCL - 5x weekly from 15th April
EXT - 5x weekly from 29th April
NQY - 4x weekly from 29th April
JER - weekly from 28th May

[inOban]

In the past, the regular Stobart flights between EDI and Dublin were supplemented with mainline EI aircraft in peak season.

[lfc84]

I don't see any Avios availability - Specifically IOM-DUB.
Does anyone know if it will be added to the reward programme?

[harriewillem]

Good for them they will start, it is super for them, but the general discussion and challenge is... this regional aviation flying is so hard if you are not 100% daughter of a main line carrier that will support you.

All these airlines don't get the economy of scale in todays LOCO 737/A320 world to be sustainable in the long run. And this franchise concept is smart of the franchiser but for the franchisee it is even worse than an wetlease deal.

So the 16M will drip empty, they will venture in non core buisness and they can join the que in a few years.. Aer Arann, Stobart, Cityjet, BMI, FlyBe the list is long and will get longer again if this C19 is not delt with propperly.

[jmdavies86]

Hardly surprising, but it's been announced that Emerald Airlines (https://www.emeraldairlines.com/article/emerald-airlines-awarded-pso-air-contract-between-dublin-and-donegal) have been awarded the PSO contract on the Dublin to Donegal route.

They will take over the twice-daily operation on 26th February after the existing temporary contract, which is currently being operated by Amapola Flyg AB, expires the day before.

[Sharklet7]

Hi all, has anyone heard when Emerald are due to receive delivery of additional aircraft? Given they are due to start operations next month would expect to start seeing some new aircraft being delivered soon.....albeit it's a balancing act of having aircraft ready to go and having to pay leases of aircraft that are just sitting waiting.......

[allan1987]

EI-GPP, EI-GPN, EI-FSL, painted ready for serivce

EI-FSK is at LFBF getting painted

looks like 3 ex virgin australia will be for BHD
and 2 from NAC


Emerald looks to be damp leasing few BA cityflyer E190 from end of March to end of June

For BHD operations, until they have an UK AOC

[Sharklet7]

EI-GPP, EI-GPN, EI-FSL, painted ready for serivce

EI-FSK is at LFBF getting painted

looks like 3 ex virgin australia will be for BHD
and 2 from NAC


Emerald looks to be damp leasing few BA cityflyer E190 from end of March to end of June

For BHD operations, until they have an UK AOC
Thanks for the update Allan, appreciate that. I know they are hoping for a total fleet of 15 so will be good to see more and more being added to their fleet

With regards to BHD and damp/wet leasing, does that basically mean the current set up (BA Cityflyer and Aer Lingus) will continue, albeit it will now be an Emerald service via damp/wet leases?

Is it realistic that Emerald will receive their UK AOC before the summer?

[PPRuNeUser0176]

Not sure where I read but they said they expect a UK AOC by June so all must be on track.

[BHD2BFS]

All seems very quiet on the Emerald front for operations from Belfast, has aer Lingus regional north of the boarder been scrapped?

[DUB19]

Still hiring staff based at BHD according to the website:

https://www.emeraldairlines.com/jobs

[Sharklet7]

All seems very quiet on the Emerald front for operations from Belfast, has aer Lingus regional north of the boarder been scrapped?
As far as I understand operations at BHD are very much still on the table. They are still waiting for their UK AOC to be issued to allow operations to be commenced. Some have noted that this may take as long as June before being issued.

There is potential that Cityflyer may continue to service these routes in the interim.

in the background of all of Emeralds plans at BHD is the inevitable (although not yet announced) return of Flybe and their return to BHD. An announcement on their return is expected very shortly. It could create a dog fight for business at BHD, if Flybe opt to operate the same routes announced by Emerald. Hopefully announcements will be made soon and the guessing can all stop.

[jmdavies86]

According to Twitter (@SeanM1997 (https://twitter.com/SeanM1997)), Emerald have now placed x6 routes from BHD on sale for S22 (BHX, EDI, EXT, GLA, LBA & MAN).

BHX & MAN are both interesting as they are due to start at the end of this month (BHX - 20th; MAN - 27th), and according to the Flybe thread, they too are/were establishing a base and looking to do multiple daily BHD-BHX/MAN flights. Surely there can't be room in the market for both players?

Also, more importantly, have Emerald now obtained their UK AOC? If so, that's been achieved a lot sooner than was originally expected as I'd read that it wasn't due to happen until the summer, and I've not read/seen any press release or news article that suggests otherwise.

[BA318]

According to Twitter (@SeanM1997 (https://twitter.com/SeanM1997)), Emerald have now placed x6 routes from BHD on sale for S22 (BHX, EDI, EXT, GLA, LBA & MAN).

BHX & MAN are both interesting as they are due to start at the end of this month (BHX - 20th; MAN - 27th), as according to the Flybe thread, they too are looking to do multiple daily flights between BHD and these destinations.

More importantly, have Emerald now obtained their UK AOC? If so, that's been achieved a lot sooner than was originally expected as I'd read that it wasn't due to happen until the summer, and I've not read/seen any press release or news article that suggests otherwise.

They were quoted as saying they had options to launch services from the summer timetable even if they didn’t get their AOC in time. They never alluded further as to what those options were.

[jmdavies86]

They never alluded further as to what those options were.

Well the only two options that I can see/think of that would make any sense is for BACF to continue using their E190 fleet until such time as Emerald obtain their own AOC and manage to get some of their proposed ATR aircraft onto the UK register, or the other alternative might be that they're going to work in partnership with Flybe 2.0...?!

[Downwind_Left]

Well the only two options that I can see/think of that would make any sense is for BACF to continue using their E190 fleet until such time as Emerald obtain their own AOC and manage to get some of their proposed ATR aircraft onto the UK register, or the other alternative might be that they're going to work in partnership with Flybe 2.0...?!

Or more likely, that Emerald have had a temporary alleviation from the UK CAA to wet-lease from their Irish AOC pending the establishment of the UK AOC.

Absolutely no way BACF are involved in the summer schedule from BHD to the UK regions, they need all the 190s for their own schedules. It was a symbiotic interim solution after the demise of Stobart Air and reduced business travel due to COVID.

Really can’t see IAG wanting to get involved in Flybe 2.0, they have claimed the BHD market for themselves since the demise of Flybe 1.0. Often the whole lineup on the ramp is now BA and Aer Lingus liveried aircraft. They won’t want to give that up that kind of dominence, in a similar way they jumped in to the SOU European leisure market post Flybe 1.0

I would assume most do the former Flybe network was deemed unviable, but these are the bits they wanted.

[brian_dromey]

Highly likely these will be EUK flights operated by Emerald? Or even BACF flights operated by Emerald.
I think the Stobart flights were actually BACF in some roundabout way. This was before EUK was an operating airline, I think even LHR-BHD was operated as a ‘wetlease’ at one point.

[mart901]

Highly likely these will be EUK flights operated by Emerald? Or even BACF flights operated by Emerald.
I think the Stobart flights were actually BACF in some roundabout way. This was before EUK was an operating airline, I think even LHR-BHD was operated as a ‘wetlease’ at one point.

Indeed - because Stobart was an Irish company they operated 'on behalf of BACF' to get around this at BHD.

[Mr A Tis]

Given up waiting for MAN-BHD flights going on sale for the end of March. I see that they have now just appeared at last, fares £344 one way.
Based on this, we've booked to Portugal instead.
Well done Are Lingus/ Emerald.

[BA318]

Given up waiting for MAN-BHD flights going on sale for the end of March. I see that they have now just appeared at last, fares £344 one way.
Based on this, we've booked to Portugal instead.
Well done Are Lingus/ Emerald.

often the first fares are full fares and cheaper fares are loaded shortly after.

[Mr A Tis]

Even if cheaper fares become available, less than three weeks notice before travel isn't enough time to make plans.

[cavokblues]

I genuinely don't understand prices like that, especially when easyJet are doing it for £60 rtn to Aldergrove.

[BA318]

Flights are now available for most dates at more reasonable fares. £37.80 for the last days of March.

As I said before most carriers load fares with the highest first and it can take a day or two for them to come down.

[cavokblues]

Much more reasonable!

[OzzyOzBorn]

They must have still forfeited alot of potential bookings by putting flights on sale so late. Like Mr A Tis, I too have made alternative arrangements for my mid-April NI trip ... no flights were offered BHD-MAN when I needed to finalise my itinerary.

[The breeze]

Given up waiting for MAN-BHD flights going on sale for the end of March. I see that they have now just appeared at last, fares £344 one way.
Based on this, we've booked to Portugal instead.
Well done Are Lingus/ Emerald.


you should have just booked BFS…

[OltonPete]

They must have still forfeited alot of potential bookings by putting flights on sale so late. Like Mr A Tis, I too have made alternative arrangements for my mid-April NI trip ... no flights were offered BHD-MAN when I needed to finalise my itinerary.

You could be right based on the easy BHX-BFS fares - In the first week of the summer season (BHX-BHD only bookable in the last few days) the easy fares on some days go up to £353 one way outbound and £308 inbound and it is not even school holidays. Of course there are some £25 fares at times during the week but I have never seen these kind of fares on domestic unless there was a major show on at the NEC or sporting events. Some of this is mitigated by the fact easy reduce the frequency from 28-30 per week to 20 but you can't help but feel EI/Emerald have lost some bookings and Flybe 2 if they are intending to operate on the route.

Pete

[The96er]

I suspect their hand was forced into announcing the routes before there were really ready to announce them probably due in part to the talked about ‘imminent’ announcement from Flybe who are likely to be in direct competition on several routes from BHD. Given that there will only be initially x1 flight/day to MAN says to me that they will be spreading themselves a bit thin in order to start earlier than they would have liked.

[Mr A Tis]

you should have just booked BFS…

Because Aer Lingus withdrew the booking facility for MAN/BHX - BHD, the easy fares soared. For me, with bags was looking at just shy of £200 for MAN/BFS
As I needed to firm up plans, now going to Portugal.
Anyhow the Emerald schedule isn't very inviting either, once a day & a late evening departure from MAN.
There is appears reduction in overall service to NI, thus fares are up.

[harriewillem]

Dublin lends Aer Lingus €200mn, Emerald Airlines €6mnhttps://www.ch-aviation.com/images/stockPhotos/1384/d57aacbe41401dbd454a7aea57be99703b037e6b.jpgAer Lingus Airbus A320-200© Aer Lingus (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/113858-dublin-lends-aer-lingus-200mn-emerald-airlines-6mn)
24.03.2022 - 06:44 UTCAer Lingus (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/EI) (EI, Dublin Int'l (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/2201)) has agreed a new EUR200 million euro (USD220 million) loan with the Irish sovereign wealth fund, having already received (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/100346-aer-lingus-takes-150mn-loan-from-irish-sovereign-fund) a similar EUR150 million (USD165 million) debt facility from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) last year, the fund revealed in a statement on March 22.

The new three-year debt deal brings the ISIF’s total funding commitment to the airline to EUR350 million (USD385 million) and “is designed to complement ongoing support” provided by parent company IAG International Airlines Group (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/entity/IAGG).

The facility, provided via the ISIF’s EUR2 billion (USD2.2 billion) Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund, aims to support the airline in its recovery from the impact of Covid-19. The fund and Aer Lingus have agreed commercial terms on the structure, pricing, and repayment of the loan.

ISIF has also agreed a EUR6 million (USD6.6 million) debt facility with Emerald Airlines (Ireland) (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/1CZ) (EA, Dublin Int'l (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airports/2201)), which operates the Aer Lingus Regional franchise and commenced flight operations (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/113004-irelands-emerald-airlines-commences-flight-operations) in late February. This “will support its launch and scale-up over the coming months,” the fund said, so that “when fully operational, Emerald Airlines is expected to bring over 500,000 tourists to the island every year while supporting over 400 Irish-based staff and over 250 indirect jobs.”

“Providing debt funding to the Irish aviation sector, through Aer Lingus and Emerald, will also help Ireland's hospitality and leisure sectors by supporting a rebound in tourist traffic into Ireland and bringing more customers to these businesses,” opined ISIF Director Nick Ashmore.

Aer Lingus CFO Elizabeth Haun said the pandemic had caused operating losses at the flag carrier of EUR361 million (USD397 million) in 2020 and EUR347 million (USD382 million) in 2021. In 2019, Aer Lingus had posted a EUR276 million (USD304 million) operating profit on revenue of EUR2.1 billion (USD2.3 billion).

IAG CFO Steve Gunning said last month that Aer Lingus had “probably had the toughest time of all of our operating companies” in 2021. The group also includes British Airways (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/BA), Iberia (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/IB), Vueling Airlines (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/VUE), and LEVEL (https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/LVL). Ireland’s peripheral location and strict travel restrictions created an extremely difficult operating environment for the carrier, he explained.

[Hearmenow]

Any truth to the rumour the UK CAA has refused the AOC on the basis of Emeralds financial position? How long can they piggy back on the Aer Lingus UK AOC to operate from BHD?

[Sharklet7]

Any truth to the rumour the UK CAA has refused the AOC on the basis of Emeralds financial position? How long can they piggy back on the Aer Lingus UK AOC to operate from BHD?
Do you mind informing us as to where you heard this rumour?

[EI-BUD]

Any truth to the rumour the UK CAA has refused the AOC on the basis of Emeralds financial position? How long can they piggy back on the Aer Lingus UK AOC to operate from BHD?
Total troll. Source of rumour?

[biddedout]

I think it is the granting of a type A Operating Licence that depends on financial stability, whereas the AOC is more about safety regulation. No OL without an AOC though.

[davidjohnson6]

Would anyone care to analyse Emerald's (audited) financial position so we can debate based on something reasonably factual ?

[SWBKCB]

Accounts aren't due until next August

[Sharklet7]

Does anyone know the timescales for an airline to obtain a UK AOC to operate within the UK? Is there a deadline that Emerald are working towards or should this AOC technically already be in place?

[Gurnard]

....Although I'd much rather it was Flybe as I prefer them and the Q400 to an ATR.

I think I've come across that preference in some other place. :ok:

[Alteagod]

A Q400 says it will get you there, an ATR will get you there, all be it a bit slower a bid louder 😆

[cumbrianboy]

The ATR is a little slower, but over the Irish Sea it's not a huge difference, however the assertion the Q400 is quieter ... couldn't be more wrong. The new ATR-600s have the most comfortable and quiet cabin in the 70 seat-ish seat turboprop class ... it's a remarkably comfortable aircraft for the passenger. The Q400 is a bit of a misnomer as it's loud!

[brian_dromey]

I do find it a bit strange that Aer Lingus doesn't want them to operate back at Cork like they did pre Covid as there routes always used to be quite busy to Bristol, Birmingham etc,. It's certainly not something that's going to be sustainable with a 189 seater 737 by Ryanair but I'm sure a fountain of knowledge will tell me otherwise. Although I'd much rather it was Flybe as I prefer them and the Q400 to an ATR.

The initial routes leaked on Twitter did suggest that ORK was included in the plans. I think it was BHX, BRS and GLA based on the tweet. At the time FR had already stolen a march on the rest of the EIR routes from Cork. This winter they are offering Birmingham (5x), Edinburgh(7x), Liverpool (5x), Gatwick (7x), Luton(5x), Stansted (18x), Manchester (14x) and Newcastle (2x). BRS and GLA are the losers here, but with a daily 738 to EDI, thats probably adequate, BHX has also taken a big capacity and schedule hit compared to the EIR days. But FR do have LTN and STN on their network, which EI didn't.
Would it be worth Emerald's time to base a single ATR at Cork to serve the likes of EMA, LBA, GLA, BRS and CWL? Without a trunk route like BHX or MAN, Im not sure they could make it work?

​​​​​​​I imagine their focus will be on buying a reliable operation at DUB and doing their best to defend against flyBE at BHD for the foreseeable. Why draw Ryanair on themselves at ORK?

[Albert Hall]

Why would Emerald go against Flybe, when the same company owns Exeter Aerospace and Flybe is one of their biggest customers? Remember Emeralds owner main business is MRO not airline.

They're already knocking lumps out of each other in Belfast City?!!

[oapilot]

Why would Emerald go against Flybe, when the same company owns Exeter Aerospace and Flybe is one of their biggest customers? Remember Emeralds owner main business is MRO not airline.

Alternatively, why would Flybe go against Emerald. Ownership is academic - Flybe are owned by venture capitalists. I don’t see Emeralds owners are in this for something to do in their spare time.

[Downwind_Left]

Alternatively, why would Flybe go against Emerald. Ownership is academic - Flybe are owned by venture capitalists. I don’t see Emeralds owners are in this for something to do in their spare time.

Also don’t forget these are really IAG routes from Belfast.

Currently operated by Emerald Airways, previously operated by Stobart Air, and after their demise jointly by Aer Lingus mainline and BA Cityflyer pending Emerald getting going. Emerald and Flybe’s ownership are secondary to the fact that it’s a franchise operation for Aer Lingus that pre-dates the formation of Emerald.

[Albert Hall]

Very good point. Likewise I would say Flybe don't want to go up against Emerald which is why they aren't competing with that on that many routes. Cyrus have experience across the world at starting and operating airlines. I would imagine their long term goal will be to expand the airline, grow the business and eventually look to sell it on.

You must be having a laugh! Have you seen how many routes they’re competing on at Belfast City? I make it six for now … that’s a head on fight in anyone’s book, surely ?

[Captain Planet]

Emerald are to launch their own handling agent at Dublin Airport in the coming months. It is believed that the reason for this is to offset the lack of staff and corresponding delays their current handling agent has encountered this summer.

CP.

[Skipness One Foxtrot]

Sorry but suggesting Emerald is aimed more at business types on loyalty schemes is
misleading. Those are competitve advantages but they're both going after the same market, make no mistake. It's like say BA and easyJet go after different markets out of LGW, they really don't. Flybe are not aiming to be COMPLIMENTARY in markets where there's likely only room for one....

[JobsaGoodun]

There was also going to be a crossover in routes an like others have said how much influence does Emerald actually have on the route network for it's Aer Lingus franchise? Probably not a lot.

As a franchise, I doubt Aer Lingus have little if any control over the routes that Emerald choose. I would expect that the only veto EI have is if Emerald wanted to operate on existing EI
routes, compete directly with EI mainline. If you were Emerald you wouldn’t limit your business opportunities by allowing EI that level of control unless they had some form of ownership, surely?

The whole point of a franchise is that the operating business carries the risk for the operation but pays a proportion of revenue to the brand holder for services such as reservations and customer service. At least that’s my experience. The brand holder has very limited control as that would be seen as anti-competitive.

The fight between Flybe and Emerald is just that. I’d be astonished if Aer Lingus opened a cheque book in support if Emerald needed it and it would be very hard to believe that they’d bail out any of Emeralds losses in BHD, after all, they certainly didn’t help Stobart.

[mart901]

Yes and no about Emerald - a lot of the routes are ones deemed too thin for an A320, and EI's publicly stated intention when creating EIR was to grow markets to a point.where EI could take them over and provide additional frequency on some routes - a lot of the aim is transatlantic feed and that's directly a requirement of EI.

You have to remember the BE brand was on these BHD routes way back, it's really well known here and they're basically only trying to take back the same business they had previously - IAG came in new to the routes as a result of BE going bust. Also BE historically had for instance 7x daily rotations BHD to BHX and MAN, so adding what they have now + EIR really only adds up to the same or less frequency/capacity - it's not perhaps the dog fight it's being made out to be.

[Alteagod]

Except that the working model.of people attending meetings face to face has changed dramatically but operating flights to same place 5 or ten minutes apart just splits the load and does not add anything to flexibility when travelling but basically your point is well taken

[mart901]

Except that the working model.of people attending meetings face to face has changed dramatically but operating flights to same place 5 or ten minutes apart just splits the load and does not add anything to flexibility when travelling but basically your point is well taken

I agree about timings and business travel. In terms of demand there's been a lot of pent up travel wants during covid that have spurred it on, not sure how long that will last for.

[VickersVicount]

what’s left for Emerald to cover from UK-Ireland?

[UlsterFly]

what’s left for Emerald to cover from UK-Ireland?

LHR possibly, if the rumours of the EI Crew Base closure & dropping of the LHR service are true?

[Albert Hall]

Debate getting more hilarious. With fuel prices where they are, a half full E175 will be costing whomever is footing the bill dearly.

[cornishsimon]

what’s left for Emerald to cover from UK-Ireland?



dont think any of the ATR operation has resumed @ ORK

cs

[Steviec9]

dont think any of the ATR operation has resumed @ ORK

cs

Ryanair appear to be doing well on the MAN and BHX services and picking up EDI. With NCL slated to start from 30 October, there is little of the old EIR network from Cork left to reinstate. With the main ‘trunk routes’ now with FR, I would be surprised to see them return there and if they do, it will have a hard job.

[Alteagod]

Rumours that BA airframe will operate EI LHR for winter not Emerald ex BHD.

[Shamrock350]

Rumours that BA airframe will operate EI LHR for winter not Emerald ex BHD.

Why would Emerald have ever operated it?

It’s always been an Aer Lingus ‘mainline’ route using an A320. Neither Emerald or Stobart have ever operated to LHR under the Aer Lingus Regional franchise.

[Alteagod]

I think it was suggested more as a paperwork excercise for EI mainline to use Gemstone call sign rather than Shamrock rather than actual Emerald airframes but who knows. Aviation is just getting weirdly weird every day!

[allan1987]

I have noticed that EI-GZY on jethroseu is on UK AOC and is registered G-CMJN

Checked caa g-info G-CMJN was registered 30th Sep

looks possible that Emerald Airlines UK might start at the end of the month?

as C of A Issue is 5th Oct

[zapo]

G-CMJN had a successful proving flight with the CAA last week, it's on the ground in BHD now until the issue of AOC.

[Alteagod]

That's a positive step forward.

[zapo]

Emerald had the UK AOC granted this afternoon.

[Sharklet7]

Emerald had the UK AOC granted this afternoon.
How did you hear this news? Emerald still arent listed on the list of AOCs the CAA have? Great news of its finally been issued though!!

[jethro15]

Emerald still arent listed on the list of AOCs the CAA have?
If correct (I cannot confirm), wait until Tue/Wed next week when they publish such info.

[Sharklet7]

If correct (I cannot confirm), wait until Tue/Wed next week when they publish such info.
The issue of the AOC has been a long time coming. The airline will be relieved to finally have it issued

[davidjohnson6]

Would somebody be kind enough to explain why Emerald has both a UK and Irish AOC ? I understand a UK AOC might be required to fly UK mainland to/from Belfast... but if they have a UK AOC, why do they need to retain an Irish AOC ? Or are they planning to fly from the Republic to places like France ? Will UK-Ireland flights remain on the Irish AOC, or will they switch to the UK AOC ?

Apologies if this is obvious to others, but I'm trying to understand the overall business strategy

[Sharklet7]

Would somebody be kind enough to explain why Emerald has both a UK and Irish AOC ? I understand a UK AOC might be required to fly UK mainland to/from Belfast... but if they have a UK AOC, why do they need to retain an Irish AOC ? Or are they planning to fly from the Republic to places like France ? Will UK-Ireland flights remain on the Irish AOC, or will they switch to the UK AOC ?

Apologies if this is obvious to others, but I'm trying to understand the overall business strategy

As a consequence of Brexit any airline with a base within the UK will require a UK AOC. Other airlines including Ryanair and Easyjet are doing the same, you may notice flights operated by Easyjet UK rather than Easyjet Europe, this depends on where the aircraft is based and under which AOC they are operating. In many ways it will appear as a separate airline on paper.

Emerald will have bases in both Ireland and the UK so will require both AOCs. Once UK AOC obtained we will see more aircraft transferred from the irish register to the UK reg.

Hope that clears up your query......

[sewushr]

It is a bit simpler than that (the term 'base' can be a bit of a minefield!)

Post Brexit, EU carriers are no longer permitted to operate UK domestic sectors, so these have to be flown using a UK AOC. Emerald operates Dublin-UK under their Irish AOC and will fly Belfast-other UK airports using their UK AOC. Same with Aer Lingus who are now flying Belfast-UK mainland under their UK AOC (albeit using wet-leased BA A320s)

[SWBKCB]

It is a bit simpler than that (the term 'base' can be a bit of a minefield!)

Post Brexit, EU carriers are no longer permitted to operate UK domestic sectors, so these have to be flown using a UK AOC. Emerald operates Dublin-UK under their Irish AOC and will fly Belfast-other UK airports using their UK AOC. Same with Aer Lingus who are now flying Belfast-UK mainland under their UK AOC (albeit using wet-leased BA A320s)

DJ6 is right, Emerald could operate out of both Dublin and Belfast to the UK using their UK AOC, suspect it's more a case of timing in that the Irish AOC was in motion before the idea of a Belfast base (and thus the need for a UK AOC) came into being.

[wanna]

DJ6 is right, Emerald could operate out of both Dublin and Belfast to the UK using their UK AOC, suspect it's more a case of timing in that the Irish AOC was in motion before the idea of a Belfast base (and thus the need for a UK AOC) came into being.

As an Irish Airline, operating for an Irish Airline with bases in Ireland it makes sense to have a EASA AOC allowing them to operate freely throughout Europe. The problem was the UK - UK flying out of BHD, thats where the need for a UK AOC comes from. If they went solely UK AOC it would cause issues in Dublin / Intra Europe flying... don't forget they offer ACMI services throughout Europe. Having both a UK and EASA AOC means they can offer ACMI to anyone in the UK and Europe now without any issue and operate their scheduled flying without hassle.

[Albert Hall]

Emerald is the operator of the Carrickfinn PSO and has to have an EU AOC to bid and fly that - they couldn't do that on a UK AOC and if they have designs on other operations like DUB-Rennes which Aer Arann/Stobart did for several years, they would need the EU AOC there also.

However you can have a UK base without having a UK AOC. Ryanair has several UK bases at which it has EI- aircraft only and SAS Link is an Irish-registered operator flying on behalf of SAS from a Heathrow base. You just can't fly UK domestics or from the UK to a non-EU country (unless air services agreements permit) on that basis.

[zapo]

If correct (I cannot confirm), wait until Tue/Wed next week when they publish such info.

Unfortunately I can't upload anything on here, the AOC number is GB 2487. Should make it easier for you to find.

[dantheflyboy]

Does this have anything to do with the cancellations out of BHD or is it more to do with crew shortages?

[zapo]

The recent cancellations were due to crew being transferred to the UK AOC, so that they'd be ready to start operations when the AOC was issued, which was slightly delayed.
Unfortunately this meant they couldn't fly on the Irish AOC

[davidjohnson6]

Would anyone be able to say what is switching from the Irish AOC to the UK AOC, and when the changes are planned to happen ?

[Hial Flyer]

What is going on with Emerald at BHD. Lots of cancelled flights daily. Flight to SOU last week was brought forwards 2 hours with 6 hours notice and they have just informed me this morning that my flight back from SOU this afternoon is leaving at 1525 and not 1710. They seem to be a shambles of an airline

[Sharklet7]

What is going on with Emerald at BHD. Lots of cancelled flights daily. Flight to SOU last week was brought forwards 2 hours with 6 hours notice and they have just informed me this morning that my flight back from SOU this afternoon is leaving at 1525 and not 1710. They seem to be a shambles of an airline
To be fair to Emerald the main factor impacting their operations in Belfast are due to the delayed issue of the AOC from the CAA. They have crews all trained and transferred to the UK AOC, unfortunately issuing of the AOC is taking longer than anticipated. The juggling of flight times I would guess is the airlines best efforts to minimise disruption to the majority of passengers, perhaps combining flights rather than cancelling etc.....

Hopefully once they receive approval to.start their UK ops these issues will all be resolved

[Albert Hall]

There was some talk on here a couple of weeks ago that they had the UK AOC, but there has been no publication to that effect in the CAA Official Record and the CAA's website of licence holders doesn't show Emerald there. What's the delay?

[Hial Flyer]

To be fair to Emerald the main factor impacting their operations in Belfast are due to the delayed issue of the AOC from the CAA. They have crews all trained and transferred to the UK AOC, unfortunately issuing of the AOC is taking longer than anticipated. The juggling of flight times I would guess is the airlines best efforts to minimise disruption to the majority of passengers, perhaps combining flights rather than cancelling etc.....

Hopefully once they receive approval to.start their UK ops these issues will all be resolved

Thanks for the info. Hopefully they sort themselthemselves out soon. Flybe are worse so hopefully one of the 2 will become reliable.

[zapo]

As of this evening, Emerald have been granted their Operating Licence and approval from the CAA to commence commercial flight operations.

[BHD2BFS]

Does this mean no more cancellations or are the recent cancellations not related ?

[zapo]

This will mean a more robust service from early next week, there is only one aircraft on the UK register at the moment. The next one will be transferred over in the next couple of weeks.

[Albert Hall]

What's going on? CAA today tweeted about BA Euroflyer getting its AOC but no statement has been made about Emerald's UK AOC and there's nothing in today's CAA Official Record. G-CMJN was down to operate the BHD-GLA-BHD this evening but the rotation has ended up cancelled. Have they got the UK AOC or not?

[southamptonavgeek]

CMJN is now listed as operating Glasgow tomorrow. It could just be CAA favouritism towards BA as I don't believe either European Cargo or Flybe were mentioned and both recieved AOC's last year, though at the time the former was the subject to much scepticism. However Jethro's does not yet list Emerald UK as holding an AOC.

[Albert Hall]

Both Flybe and European were listed in the Official Record when they got their AOC/OLs though, and there is no mention of Emerald in this week's publication. Maybe the tweet is optional - seem to recall Norse had one as well as BA Euroflyer.

[zapo]

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1080x1003/screenshot_2022_12_07_15_03_01_51_6012fa4d4ddec268fc5c7112cb b265e7_e23b064d81bd75aa80ff16bd5b6be9ddce3c3d09.jpg
The UK AOC being used for the first time, on its way to SOU.

[cumbrianboy]

It is listen on the CAA website, AOC number 2487. Type ATR72-212A.

Well done to the whole team at Emerald.

[davidjohnson6]

Is there an intention to move more aircraft from Emerald to Emerald UK in the next few months, or will G-CMJN remain the sole aircraft on the UK register for the time being ?

[Alteagod]

I believe another 3 or 4

[Sharklet7]

Is there an intention to move more aircraft from Emerald to Emerald UK in the next few months, or will G-CMJN remain the sole aircraft on the UK register for the time being ?

There is another aircraft presently being registered with a G Reg in Dublin. This aircraft should be positioned back to BHD shortly.

[EGTE]

G-CMJM registered 10th January 2023. Formerly EI-GZW.

[garry8g]

Third aircraft transferred in to UK fleet today.

G-CMJL registered 26th January 2023. Formerly EI-FSK.

[OltonPete]

Third aircraft transferred in to UK fleet today.

G-CMJL registered 26th January 2023. Formerly EI-FSK.

Another "new" aircraft "MT" but still cancellations.

The latest aircraft arrived in BHD yesterday from Exeter and the first flight was this morning but picked up a 3 hour delay to BHX and that is as good as it got.

Aircraft still at BHX, next BHX sector cancelled followed a Manchester and Edinburgh sector. I trust easyjet mopped up the pax as they operated all their BHX flights today (well actually still one to go but should operate)

I trust from that there is no slack in the schedule to cover for tech aircraft? Another one of the fleet flew BHD-EXT, I presume for planned maintenance which was a tad unfortunate.

Leeds in the morning from BHD already showing delayed 1 hour 25!

I suppose they will also say BHD opening hours don't help recovering schedules from tech aircraft.

Pete

[ZeBedie]

What happened to Emerald today, diverting when the wind was well within the x/w limit?

[SWBKCB]

What happened to Emerald today, diverting when the wind was well within the x/w limit?

Give us a clue - where? And whose crosswind limits?

[UnderASouthernSky]

What happened to Emerald today, diverting when the wind was well within the x/w limit?

Windshear is just one of many reasons

[harriewillem]

Emerald Airlines posts start-up related losses of €21.3m (rte.ie) (https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2024/0223/1434067-emerald-airlines-results/)

That is the 16M cash in hand gonzo... but they will have turbulent times ahead already. Their COVID start-up advanatges are all gone now or on the way out.

- Unions are already inn
- Covid leases (cheap or even PBH) are over / ending
- Fuelcost and handling and overflights up +25% since start

Its a tough cookie and not viable to be an franchise for EI.. history proven that and Emerald will confirm this in due time, EI will need to take it inhouse if they want too, but they know there will always be an operator happy to stand on the curb corner and be the next to be ...

[Flightrider]

The financials aren't great - but I don't think some of what you say is accurate. Several airlines managed to secure long-term leases at very low rates during Covid and still have more than a few years to run on leases at those favourable rentals. I think you'll find Emerald is one of them, so although overall cost inflation on things like handling and nav charges will be impacting, ATR aircraft leases will not be hurting. And for the Aer Lingus franchise, it was always going to be the case that the operator would have to recognise unions.

One operator before has failed as an EI franchise (Stobart). It failed pretty much only because it sold and leased back ATR72s at a huge lease rental to allow its then-shareholder to take cash out of the business as a dividend. When those huge lease rates couldn't continue be paid, it all went horribly wrong very quickly.

That is not the case for the current or any future Aer Lingus Regional franchise carrier, so this is not an inherently "bust" business model as you claim. You do seem to enjoy prophesising the demise of regional airlines, but it seems to be heavily from a position of ignorance of the facts.

[harriewillem]

Hi Flightrider, I am just being realistic, and do hope they sucseed but its just very hard / impossible. And in between the lines you agree, their best advantage was low leases, assume they were all long term, what I think they will not be, than in Summer 2026 - 2028 all these aircarft are going significat up in price on top, all their metal they will get inn from now onwards will be sky high again compared their leases. Crew turnover and new recruitment at much higher costs, and DOC that are rising 25%, that are very serious drainers of cash. So it will again be very hard for them. EI play this smart and as mentioned there is always an operator willing to take it, so this cycle continues. but I see hard times ahead... that all..