Ryanair & Air Explore

pm.

Hi

Im just back from a trip to Bremen Germany and flew with Ryanair ( or so i taught ) TBH I have a fear of flying and normally only fly with Aer Lingus. This time around AL w justas too expensive so I decided to go with Ryanair as I know they have the youngest fleet of aircraft in europe.

These kind of things help when you have a fear, when I arrived at the gate in Dublin I seen an Air Explore plane at our gate and didnt think to much until we where called, this was our Ryanair plane... When I got on board I could see this thing was ancient probably 25 years old... I nearly sh!t myself before we started flying, the seatbelts where different colours, a lot of the bullbs that light the seat belt signs where blowing the speaker system was like a kids toy from the 80s and on the outside of the plane you could clearly see where the fuselage had been damaged and patched over...

Other passengers where actually laughing at the patch work before we boarded. My first experience with Ryanair was not good at all... the staff where good but the plane was a big let down

Oscar Bravo

you were either on OM-AEX or OM-CEX. OM-AEX is from 1992 and OM-CEX is from 1991. 2 perfectly good 737-400s. an odd patch here or there is bound to be on them. you havnt been on much aircraft if you think they were a tad shabby.

fr336

Such a big outfit as Ryanair would never compromise on safety - you were just as safe as on any Ryanair flight. Plus you should have been informed when booking for that flight that it would be an Air Explore aircraft.

Peregrine

I would probably pay just to be on one of those

You were perfectly safe. Anyway, were you not notified that it will be an Air Explore aircraft? I've seen people get e-mails from Ryanair just to tell them.

pm.

fr336 wrote: »

Such a big outfit as Ryanair would never compromise on safety - you were just as safe as on any Ryanair flight. Plus you should have been informed when booking for that flight that it would be an Air Explore aircraft.

I agree I should have been told.. the Ryanair staff did not seem too familiar with this aircraft as it took about 3 attempts just to close the door. When I look at there web site they say

Our policy of exclusively operating the 737-800 is part of our strategy to bring you the cheapest flights on all of our routes, and in fact, our sol use of the 737-800 is not just good for fares, but also for safety.

At the time of writing, Ryanair operates 303 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, but with 175 new aircraft ordered in 2013, our fleet will grow to over 400 in 2014, expanding to almost 500 by 2019. The average age of our fleet is approximately 5.5 years, and is set to get younger with our latest order.

False advertisement.

fr336

pm. wrote: »

False advertisement.

Others have mentioned receiving e-mails detailing the change and it should have been visible when booking too. That's not to say I can 100% guarantee this was the case.

If we're going to into huge detail then yes it could be say the younger the fleet the tiny tiny bit safer the aircraft would be. But still..most of the biggest airlines in the world operate varying ages of aircraft.

Jack1985

Have to agree, Safety is the primary formula in Ryanair's business plan, as it is at all airlines. Ryanair has an unblemished history in this regard, and it is strictly adhered to - So please don't think they would ever compromise on that, as well as this you have three entities of which one would be the IAA plus EASA and whatever national civil aviation authority is responsible in your destined country checking the safety of flights so you couldn't ask for much more oversight, as well as this airlines have their own safety officers.

As has been pointed out Ryanair have had to lease aircraft due to the amount of growth required in 2014 and lack of orders until Sept this year, when those leases will be returned (OM-AEX etc). Those aircraft are as safe as any, the patch work you are referring to is most definitely adequate, an aircraft will not be released unless its classed as safe from maintenance as well as this all pilots do a walk around to check for any visible signs of damage to protect their passengers/crew and as well there own lives!

maybe the aircraft you were meant to be on could have had a defect and you had to fly with air explore instead,

It prob should have been mentioned to you but which would you rather fly a faulty 737-800 with ryanair on the side of it or a perfectly working air explore aircraft.

GBX

pm. wrote: »

I agree I should have been told.. the Ryanair staff did not seem too familiar with this aircraft as it took about 3 attempts just to close the door. When I look at there web site they say

Our policy of exclusively operating the 737-800 is part of our strategy to bring you the cheapest flights on all of our routes, and in fact, our sol use of the 737-800 is not just good for fares, but also for safety.

At the time of writing, Ryanair operates 303 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, but with 175 new aircraft ordered in 2013, our fleet will grow to over 400 in 2014, expanding to almost 500 by 2019. The average age of our fleet is approximately 5.5 years, and is set to get younger with our latest order.

False advertisement.

False advertisement for which? How was your safety compromised?

Ryanair have a very high safety standard and record. You were in a perfectly fine aircraft .. it may have aged, but they would not use this if they felt it would put yourself and many others at risk.

Technoprisoner

bit of a over reaction there to be fair... the aircraft you were on today was leased in to deal with the increase in bookings while they await delivery of there new aircraft, which i think begins in September. Ryanair still have a very good safety record in the business and they would not jeopardize this by leasing out an aircraft which was dangerous. ok it maybe older than what you are use to but these things are highly maintained....after all every minute, these things are on the ground due to faults it is costing money

fr336

You wouldn't catch Aer Lingus hiring in

lord lucan

fr336 wrote: »

You wouldn't catch Aer Lingus hiring in

b757

Nimr wrote: »

I would probably pay just to be on one of those

You were perfectly safe. Anyway, were you not notified that it will be an Air Explore aircraft? I've seen people get e-mails from Ryanair just to tell them.

Your not the only one, thinking of booking a cheap trip to MAN! :P

fr336

b757 wrote: »

Your not the only one, thinking of booking a cheap trip to MAN! :P

b757

pm. wrote: »

I agree I should have been told.. the Ryanair staff did not seem too familiar with this aircraft as it took about 3 attempts just to close the door. When I look at there web site they say

Our policy of exclusively operating the 737-800 is part of our strategy to bring you the cheapest flights on all of our routes, and in fact, our sol use of the 737-800 is not just good for fares, but also for safety.

At the time of writing, Ryanair operates 303 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, but with 175 new aircraft ordered in 2013, our fleet will grow to over 400 in 2014, expanding to almost 500 by 2019. The average age of our fleet is approximately 5.5 years, and is set to get younger with our latest order.

False advertisement.

You say you should have been told, but yet clearly on the booking system it says "Operated by AirExplore". I think it is also on boarding card too, not 100% sure about this one.

People who booked months ago got emails recently about their flight being altered, and instead of flying on a Ryanair owned aircraft that the flight was being operated by a different carrier.

At the time of your writing, Ryanair has 296 aircraft of their own. Not the 303 or 300 you may see on various websites/wikipedia. Significantly lower than (the 305) last year, this is one of the multiple reasons for the hire ins. Ryanair is constantly expanding, this is the reasons for the recent order. Until then aircraft hire ins are required to operate the vast amount of flights/routes that it does during the summer season. They would NOT jeopardise their impeccable safety record for the sake of saving a few thousand euros or more by hiring in a less capable outfit.

Yes there may be a few scuffed up bits on the inside or a few lights/seatbelt colours different, but it did get you to your destination safely right? Therefore I don't see a problem.

andy_g

pm. wrote: »

I agree I should have been told.. the Ryanair staff did not seem too familiar with this aircraft as it took about 3 attempts just to close the door.

Really!? i doubt that as the door mech on nearly all 737 series aircraft has not changed much over the years.

Preset No.3

pm. wrote: »

Hi

Im just back from a trip to Bremen Germany and flew with Ryanair ( or so i taught ) TBH I have a fear of flying and normally only fly with Aer Lingus. down

Ah god bless ya young fella!

Next time, suck it up, pay the Aer Lingus fare. Hopefully you won't get one of the 14 year old A320's or near 16 year old A321's!!!!!

You have a choice iof who you fly with so please don't disguise your post as a chance to bash Ryanair!

I think some of Aer Lingus regional aircraft date back to 1992ish. Im open to correction on that?

You couldnt tell being on then though,they in good knick!

As for all the 747's still knockin around carrying 400 odd passengers on them there prob bout 25 years old.

dubdaymo

pm. wrote: »

.....normally only fly with Aer Lingus. .....When I got on board I could see this thing was ancient probably 25 years old...

Five questions for you:

1. up to what age did the Aer Lingus 747's happily fly across the Atantic on a daily basis.

2. Who owns and flies the fleet of little aeroplanes with two propellor thingies that are painted in Aer Lingus colours?

3. Who owns and flies the three B757's that are also painted in Aer Lingus colours?

4. What are those Titan Airways planes doing in Dublin?

5. It's not all that long ago that we saw one of those "ancient" Omni Air International DC10's in Dublin. Why was it there?

pm.

Ok just checked my ticket and it says nothing about air explore, to you guys that have a real passion for aviation my first post may seem to come across as unnecessary or ott but for those of us who are terrified of flying anything unexpected like an aircraft that's 25 years old and not 5 or 6 as I was expecting freaked me out..

I'm not here to bash Ryanair no reason to as I never flew with them before they are the reason we as a family got to have a getaway this year.

Also checked my email and can't find anything on there about a third party carrier.

Fagashlil

Depending on the date you booked, you may not of received an email. If you booked after the planes were leased, there would of been this when you booked https://www.bookryanair.com/SkySales/Booking.aspx?culture=en-ie&lc=en-ie#Select.

Also check your spam if you didn't already.
ETA if you click on the dates in the link you'll see if says operated by air explore/air contractors.

Fagashlil

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/626214/312502.jpg

Not sure if the link in my previous post is working as I see it, so here's (hopefully) a picture of it.

billie1b

Fagashlil wrote: »

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/626214/312502.jpg

Not sure if the link in my previous post is working as I see it, so here's (hopefully) a picture of it.

Charge that iPad before work

Preset No.3

pm. wrote: »

to you guys that have a real passion for aviation my first post may seem to come across as unnecessary or ott but for those of us who are terrified of flying anything unexpected like an aircraft that's 25 years old and not 5 or 6 as I was expecting freaked me out..

Terrified of flying - Oh I think I'll post about it on an AVIATION FORUM!!!!!!

You have come to the wrong forum if you are looking for some kind of sympathy because you are freaked out! Most of us here would gladly get into some old rust bucket, just to be able to say we flew on that type!

Yes I sound harsh, but I love a bit of turbulence on a flight, makes it more exciting!!!!!! Next time, take the boat!!!!

pm.

It's the perfect place to post this, these are the people that help people like me by informing me that other carriers such as al and the likes also bring in 3rd parties and that a 25 year old plane is just as safe to fly on as a new one..

And yes you are right your post is harsh and not helpful at all..

GTE

pm. wrote: »

Ok just checked my ticket and it says nothing about air explore, to you guys that have a real passion for aviation my first post may seem to come across as unnecessary or ott but for those of us who are terrified of flying anything unexpected like an aircraft that's 25 years old and not 5 or 6 as I was expecting freaked me out..

I'm not here to bash Ryanair no reason to as I never flew with them before they are the reason we as a family got to have a getaway this year.

Also checked my email and can't find anything on there about a third party carrier.

OP, you over reacted regarding the age of the plane in use. There is no reason why an unsafe plane would enter into service with a respectable European airline.

But, as you make clear you have a fear of flying which makes these over-reactions a fact of life and a difficult thing to deal with, which is no fault of your own. The big problem is coming to a jack of all trades website (boards.ie) where you can have a big mix of genuine enthusiasts for the topic area and people who act like idiots behind a keyboard. Some snarky list of questions from a user above is an example of this. EDIT: And Preset 3's rubbish.

Off the top of my head, I am not sure if the Air Explore aircraft are adding extra services to Ryanair (which would mean you would have to have some notification of Air Explore) or whether they are replacing Ryanair planes which are for whatever reason, not serviceable at the moment. The latter means that you could have booked and then they switched what plane was being used at a later date; I guess that is where people are saying the email would have been sent out.

billie1b

bbk wrote: »

OP, you over reacted regarding the age of the plane in use. There is no reason why an unsafe plane would enter into service with a respectable European airline.

But, as you make clear you have a fear of flying which makes these over-reactions a fact of life and a difficult thing to deal with, which is no fault of your own. The big problem is coming to a jack of all trades website (boards.ie) where you can have a big mix of genuine enthusiasts for the topic area and people who act like idiots behind a keyboard. Some snarky list of questions from a user above is an example of this. EDIT: And Preset 3's rubbish.

Off the top of my head, I am not sure if the Air Explore aircraft are adding extra services to Ryanair (which would mean you would have to have some notification of Air Explore) or whether they are replacing Ryanair planes which are for whatever reason, not serviceable at the moment. The latter means that you could have booked and then they switched what plane was being used at a later date; I guess that is where people are saying the email would have been sent out.

Ryanair leased in 4 737-400's for their summer schedule for Dublin, this is due to the economy picking up faster than expected and the delivery of their newer 737-800's not due until early September. The deal was done at the start of this year and all pax were informed one way or another by Ryanair of their a/c being operated by that particular aircraft and offered the pax a reschedule or full refund if they did not want to fly on said aircraft. That was for bookings up to the end of May I believe, for bookings from June onwards the person booking was informed on the website while booking that it was a different operator on behalf of Ryanair with 737-400 rated pilots from the lessors company and Ryanair cabin crew who went under further training to rate them onto the 737-400's.
There is a number of reasons why the cabin crew had trouble closing the door on the a/c, the main one being that the door on the 737-400 is actually heavier than the doors on the 737-800, and that the crew would only be operating a few days on the a/c and have to get used to it.

Strumms

Some very disappointing reactions in this thread from people who ought to know better. The OP stated in their original post that they are a nervous flyer. Such an irrational fear can be heightened by anything such as a change of aircraft.. An older more shabby looking aircraft etc....Not everyone is blessed if that's the word with a great knowledge or love of aviation and aircraft as some are here and it's disappointing to read some of the condescending posts. I don't read anything at all in the OP trying to bash Ryanair at all. I recall when I started posting here I mentioned my OH was afraid of flying and wouldn't go on a prop only to get a similar reaction from some... Ridiculous silly ignorant, ****ing aero sexual behaviour.

Bazzy

I think the OP needs to be put forward for a people of the year award.

I notice you made it back safe enough to post on boards about you brave little soldier you.

Its on all the bookings they have to have it i'm flying with aer lingus on tuesday and its being operated by stobart air was told at the time of booking.

I'd say your poor little head was in a tizzy for having to slum it on ryanair and you never even noticed.

Bazzy

Strumms wrote: »

Some very disappointing reactions in this thread from people who ought to know better. The OP stated in their original post that they are a nervous flyer. Such an irrational fear can be heightened by anything such as a change of aircraft.. An older more shabby looking aircraft etc....Not everyone is blessed if that's the word with a great knowledge or love of aviation and aircraft as some are here and it's disappointing to read some of the condescending posts. I don't read anything at all in the OP trying to bash Ryanair at all. I recall when I started posting here I mentioned my OH was afraid of flying and wouldn't go on a prop only to get a similar reaction from some... Ridiculous silly ignorant, ****ing aero sexual behaviour.

Your post appears to be the ramblings of an IDIOT

Strumms

Bazzy wrote: »

Your post appears to be the ramblings of an IDIOT

No.. Click on this link and educate yourself as to what the rumblings of an idiot actually look like... http://www.boards.ie/search/submit/?user=63009&sort=newest

Bazzy

Strumms wrote: »

No.. Click on this link and educate yourself as to what the rumblings of an idiot actually look like... http://www.boards.ie/search/submit/?user=63009&sort=newest

Aww you searched for me how sweet must be love

Strumms

Riiiight so Random, sarcastic, incoherent replies unfortunately are not helping you, rather adding to your dubious aforementioned tome which I kindly linked for you... Have a nice day.

Nonoperational

Some real heroes posting now.

It's likely the OP just didn't cop what operated by Air Explore meant on the booking screen or didn't read an email, but although older, the planes are perfectly safe and operated to the same standards.

Tenger

Strumms wrote: »

Some very disappointing reactions in this thread from people who ought to know better. .....

I'm in full agreement with this sentence.

Bazzy wrote: »

Your post appears to be the ramblings of an IDIOT

If this is the level of debate about this situation then bans will be handed out. Bazzy while you are stating that the post is idiotic, I think we can see that you implied the poster was an idiot.

Can we all stop with the handbag behaviour. Boards.ie A&A forum will always have an eclectic mix of aerosexuals, aviation workers, 'regular' passengers and terrified first time flyers. All are welcome and we don't need to express the aviation snobbery and misplaced elitism that is evident on sites like Pprune.

For the posters who have 'contributed' over the last 2 hours I would suggest stepping away from the keyboard as I'm not in a good mood today. (bad nightshift)

fr336

Wow

Bazzy

Tenger wrote: »

I'm in full agreement with this sentence.


If this is the level of debate about this situation then bans will be handed out. Bazzy while you are stating that the post is idiotic, I think we can see that you implied the poster was an idiot.

Can we all stop with the handbag behaviour. Boards.ie A&A forum will always have an eclectic mix of aerosexuals, aviation workers, 'regular' passengers and terrified first time flyers. All are welcome and we don't need to express the aviation snobbery and misplaced elitism that is evident on sites like Pprune.

For the posters who have 'contributed' over the last 2 hours I would suggest stepping away from the keyboard as I'm not in a good mood today. (bad nightshift)

It was the post I referred to not the poster

Preset No.3

Tenger wrote: »

Can we all stop with the handbag behaviour. Boards.ie A&A forum will always have an eclectic mix of aerosexuals, aviation workers, 'regular' passengers and terrified first time flyers.

Tenger, I am not disagreeing with your post, but it is worth pointing out that when anyone comes into an aviation forum, they are not going to be always treated with kid gloves.

I am by no means a professional, just a lowly PPL who never made it to the big seat due to diabetes. I am not the only one that will look at threads like this and privately form an opinion. I like the diversity of topics on this forum, however the CONSTANT questioning of airlines safety record, and will my flight have PTV's is wearing even to the thickest of skins.

Just 2 examples and nobody seems to have any problems flying with them. The BA 777 that crashed coming into LHR, and the AF A330 lost in the Atlantic, not evening mentioning the Concorde. The BA 737-400 LGW fleet is all 20 plus years old, but theres no mention of their safety record. The AF A320 fleet is quite old, the first airframe is 23 years old.

I firmly believe that we have a duty to correct the ill informed punter that comes on to this forum to complain about aircraft types.

There is options like google, or even the search function of this forum, but going to the bother to start a new thread to have a pop at an airline is a couple of steps away from airline bashing.

changepartners

I got picked up by one of these last weekend in Spain. It did look a bit shabby but I thought the engines were quieter than the newer jets. Didnt have that lawnmower sound through the take off and ascent.

Jack1985

Didnt have that lawnmower sound through the take off and ascent.

How could you not like that... Some people like the smell of petrol, the buzzsaw is my fix.

Preset No.3

Standing on the ramp and getting he smell of Jet A-1 burning is lovely!!!!!

billie1b

changepartners wrote: »

I got picked up by one of these last weekend in Spain. It did look a bit shabby but I thought the engines were quieter than the newer jets. Didnt have that lawnmower sound through the take off and ascent.

Best engine sound ever!

changepartners

I've stumbled into a cult here! Am I right though that sound is relatively new and that they used to be a bit quieter?

billie1b

Preset No.3 wrote: »

Standing on the ramp and getting he smell of Jet A-1 burning is lovely!!!!!

The gush of it going past you when the plane taxis off and your walking back from the pushback

IngazZagni

changepartners wrote: »

I've stumbled into a cult here! Am I right though that sound is relatively new and that they used to be a bit quieter?

The sound of the engines will differ depending on what part of the cabin you are sitting in. If you are sitting just forward of the engines you will hear that lawn mower type noise you describe but if you sit in the rear part of the cabin you won't hear that and it may seem quieter. The engines certainly have not got louder, they should be slightly quieter on the newer type engines.

Tenger

Preset No.3 wrote: »

Tenger, I am not disagreeing with your post, but it is worth pointing out that when anyone comes into an aviation forum, they are not going to be always treated with kid gloves.

........

I firmly believe that we have a duty to correct the ill informed punter that comes on to this forum to complain about aircraft types.

There is options like google, or even the search function of this forum, but going to the bother to start a new thread to have a pop at an airline is a couple of steps away from airline bashing.

I would be in agreement here too. My mod warning was wide ranging to stop the much needed corrections offered becoming a bit like "why post here if you don't know your stuff" This forum exists for the aero cult members and the poor unfortunate 'yet to be initiated' masses too.


I am far too often amused by statement about aviation that show a complete lack of effort to use google. My personal fav is the belief that only the Captain actually flys the plane.

fr336

Could be wrong but maybe mods need to be a tad more prescriptive and 'over the top' in making the distinction between this forum and travel. Tricky balancing act I know.

pm.

At about 3.02 into the clip of the plane taking off the engine kinda winds down, is this the pilots reducing the power?

Jack1985

pm. wrote: »

At about 3.02 into the clip of the plane taking off the engine kinda winds down, is this the pilots reducing the power?

Aircraft going to climb thrust, happens automatically on most new 737NG's

pm.

Thanks jack for the information, is it not the pilots that reduce the speed/power

nuckeythompson

Id say you probably had more leg room on that old rust bucket than if it had of been a Ryanair 737-800