Aer Lingus Fleet/Routes Discussion

kona

Captain_Crash wrote: »

The one person I spoke to is licensed on the A330 and has been in the airport for over 40 years, most of it with EI before leaving a few years back. They mentioned their shock at getting the job considering their age and retirement being a couple of years away.

Maybe the money offered was so good because its an experienced and licensed mech that's needed now and they got it on a short term deal

Must throw the cv in so! The money wasnt great last time around!

Bussywussy

kona wrote: »

Captain_Crash wrote: »

The one person I spoke to is licensed on the A330 and has been in the airport for over 40 years, most of it with EI before leaving a few years back. They mentioned their shock at getting the job considering their age and retirement being a couple of years away.

Maybe the money offered was so good because its an experienced and licensed mech that's needed now and they got it on a short term deal

Must throw the cv in so! The money wasnt great last time around!

Deffo....might get that special short term deal...

billy few mates

Tenger wrote: »

Interesting. If true (and I dont mean to disparage your info) this would show that the very healthy expansion by EI is not being backed up by similar growth in personnel behind the scenes. And indeed statements by EI Execs over the last 18 months contiually focus on their lean operation.
Perhaps they have reached the limit of their goal of "do more with less"

Can I assume that you cant just build up your engineering dept in a matter of weeks? Assuming that the ex-QR A332 is due to operate within 3 weeks?

Operators have to provide a maintenance man hour plan to the regulator (IAA) to show they have sufficient manpower resources to cope with the operation they run. They’re quite detailed and there are also set limits on things like the ratio of contract staff to permanent employees (it used to be maximum of 50%) which have to be observed. I’ve never heard of a regulator anywhere imposing operational restrictions on an airline for failing to have sufficient staff but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.
I don’t know anything about what’s supposed to be happening at Aer Lingus but theres currently a very buoyant jobs market for well trained and highly experienced staff and with so many opportunities at home and abroad it could be difficult for any operator to hold on to their staff.
If it is a problem it’s a problem that can be easily addressed, but it might cost them a few bob...

HTCOne

Apparently there’s been a major global shortage of B2 (avionics) engineers for a few years now. Serious dosh to be earned in ME and China, plus OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like Airbus, Boeing, Thales etc. are also paying big bucks for engineers on contracts.

kona

HTCOne wrote: »

Apparently there’s been a major global shortage of B2 (avionics) engineers for a few years now. Serious dosh to be earned in ME and China, plus OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like Airbus, Boeing, Thales etc. are also paying big bucks for engineers on contracts.

To be honest theres a global shortage of anybody that can use their hands.

Captain_Crash

Ya can take what I say at face value or not, that's up to you... I made it quite clear in a post yesterday that I only say things here that I believe have substance, but your under no obligation to listen to me. Sure what do I know, I'm only an enthusiast working in legal research for a bank eh, its not as if anyone outside the aviation business is allowed know anything is it!

Captain_Crash

Captain_Crash wrote: »

Ya can take what I say at face value or not, that's up to you... I made it quite clear in a post yesterday that I only say things here that I believe have substance, but your under no obligation to listen to me. Sure what do I know, I'm only an enthusiast working in legal research for a bank eh, its not as if anyone outside the aviation business is allowed know anything is it!

Why the attitude ? No one is say what you are saying is false or untrue. People are merely saying "If true" because its third party opinion.

Like everything else on here its hearsay till you provide facts. Just because you have spoken to someone who says something doesn't make it a fact even if two or more also say it. Again no one is calling you a liar or saying what you are saying is false or untrue, its quite the opposite in fact.

And yes people outside the business are allowed know stuff, in fact a good many know a hell of a lot of stuff.

Captain_Crash

Deleted User wrote: »

Why the attitude ? No one is say what you are saying is false or untrue. People are merely saying "If true" because its third party opinion.

Like everything else on here its hearsay till you provide facts. Just because you have spoken to someone who says something doesn't make it a fact even if two or more also say it. Again no one is calling you a liar or saying what you are saying is false or untrue, its quite the opposite in fact.

And yes people outside the business are allowed know stuff, in fact a good many know a hell of a lot of stuff.

I do apologise, I re-read my post and it does come across that way. It wasn't my intention.... I put it down to it being early morning before a hit coffee

Kcormahs

When is Aer Lingus announcing the new 2019 Long Haul routes? Wasn't this planned to be around early May?
Any strong ideas on what will be announced or it still unknown?

Kcormahs

Kcormahs wrote: »

When is Aer Lingus announcing the new 2019 Long Haul routes? Wasn't this planned to be around early May?
Any strong ideas on what will be announced or it still unknown?

The NEO routes ?

Kcormahs

Deleted User wrote: »

The NEO routes ?

yes

I can't recall but usually route announcements are September to November time.

Kcormahs

Deleted User wrote: »

I can't recall but usually route announcements are September to November time.

"AerLingus has launched a Request for Information for Commercial Support for Transatlantic Network Development (RFI). The process presents a unique opportunity for North American airports and their local communities to invest alongside AerLingus in the introduction or expansion of AerLingus service. Multiple studies have shown the economic multiplier benefits of international air service. AerLingus would operate to Dublin, Europe’s fastest growing transatlantic hub, offering both US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance and extensive onward connectivity throughout Europe."

"The process is extended to both airports not yet served by AerLingus for new route opportunity and those already served by AerLingus, for increased capacity/frequencies. The process applies to both the A321LR aircraft as well as existing A330 aircraft, as wide-body capacity may become available by substitution with the new A321LR aircraft."

"Airports along with local government, business and tourism bodies are invited to submit information to assist in building the commercial and operational case to operate a new direct route by 6th April, 2018. Shortlisted airport meetings will take place at the end of April at Routes Europe, followed by an official announcement of 2019 destinations in early May.


https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/aer-lingus-launches-search-new-north-american-airport-mark-pilling/

zone 1

IAG to look to boeing for WB order, So will we see future fleet expansion boeing or Airbus fleet for AL. is there problems at Airbus with engines for 320neo, could we see max in AL fleet yet

kevinandrew

I think with the A321LR chosen for transatlantic it’s very unlikely they’ll opt for the MAX on short haul. A fleet replacement plan for short haul is probably a few years away yet, they need to prove to IAG that the short haul network is providing the returns needed to make a fleet overhaul worthwhile. By that point Airbus should have ironed out the issues by then and IAG already have a A320neo family order on the books. Wouldn’t rule out the CSeries now it’s in Airbus hands.


As for long haul, I think Boeing has a better chance considering BA is already a big customer with the 787/777 family. It’s possible that when Aer Lingus needs the A330 replaced (and they will need a next gen replacement) it will come down to the A350 and 787. Unfortunately for Airbus, the A330neo seems to be missing the mark for them.


Commonality won’t be that big of an issue if you keep Airbus as the narrowbody provider and Boeing the widebody option. However I still think come the mid-2020s the A350 will prove good for Aer Lingus.

sandbelter

Somethings up....I was going to post this last week as I was watching the debate about EI’s A350/A330neo order and gut instinct it’s going the way of EI’s interest in the Carravelle and its B767 order.  

Unless there’s a competitive GE/Airbus combination it’s is shaping up an even contest for the B787-10/9 order and maybe a B797 launch order.   The reasons are:

B787-10/9

• The engines, EI is a rusted on GE operator and engineers may prove harder and more costly in the long run to retrain than the pilots;
• RR: only the efforts of PW and it’s gearfan are stopping airline community from being fully focusing on recent RR issues.
• Cargo: this seems to stack up for B787-10 and its 40 LD-3 containers, but not decisively so. 
• EI doesn’t seem to be interested in flying further west than LAX so the range and power of the A350 is wasted on EI.  
• B787-10 looking as if it will set the cost curve on the Atlantic.  It’s reasonable to assume UA will send them to Dub as well. 

Finally, AC and WS use of domestic B7M8 into Ireland means anything shorthaul may need to be able comfortably reach the US & Canadian NE . 

Mooted B797

Finally there is this little gem from the Seattle Times that got zero attention in Ireland from Steven Kavanagh at the launch of the Seattle flight when he was asked about interest in the B797:  “There’s no doubt the 757 is a more capable airplane (than the A321LR). It can carry a higher payload further”, although it flies where EI currently want to go, he also flagged there interest in hearing more about the B797 and that that’s heard nothing from Boeing.

Maybe I’m reading to much into it: but you flying into Seattle home of the rival aircraft manufacturer and talk to the largest business newspaper in the region, you tell them via the paper in the boeing aerospace section the A321lr isn’t the B757 replacement we hoped for, we haven’t heard from you but we’d be interested and open minded about what you have to offer, then suddenly EI WB order has question marks. 

Where there’s smoke there’s fire in my books. 

Here’s the article:  https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/new-seattle-dublin-route-is-part-of-ambitious-u-s-expansion-by-aer-lingus/

Cookiemunster

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't EI now basically just take what their given by IAG? IAG buy the metal and decide which of it's airlines to allocate it to?

Jamie2k9

The Boeing are for BA, they are replacing over 40 (747/767) in the next 6 years. EI won't be opera\ting Boeing or any other IAG company apart from BA.

Continue with A330 and A321 LR and prehaps as A350 demand/price drop they could join in future and phase out some A330s.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't EI now basically just take what their given by IAG? IAG buy the metal and decide which of it's airlines to allocate it to?

Not quiet, IAG do orders, airlines make the case for aircraft and the type to IAG.

sandbelter

The order that's I'm aware IAG have been looking at is for Level. 
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iag-results-level/iag-in-talks-over-new-aircraft-for-low-cost-airline-level-idUKKCN1G718N
I"m not suggesting an EI order is imminent, just the market has changed and it no longer suits the A350 and boeing is currently the better fit, that may change.  After all Aer lingus ordered its A350's 10 years ago, only it, Aeroflot and Air Asia X who ordered before 2010 haven't taken delivery.  Air Asia X are threatening to cancel, the Russian economy is Aeroflot's barrier and EI is silent. With every passing passing day its looks more and more like Virgin's A380 order.  Unless there's a regional A350, preferably with a GE option, I just don't see it happening.  It carries less cargo and is optimized for longer ranges, I just don't Airbus needing to give EI/IAG such a good price to compensate for higher opex and forgone revenue, and they don't have to as it's selling very well as it is.  
But the mooted B797 is at least seven years from delivery, probably longer if recent history is a guide. So its'A330/A321lr for at least the next 5-10 years.

HTCOne

The A350 carries more cargo than A330 or B78K. A359 same as a B772, A35K same as a B773/W, but yes the only current routes EI have that it would be optimal for are LAX,SFO and SEA. Not worth having a subfleet for just 3 routes.

Phen2206

Regarding Kavanagh in Seattle, I think any airline CEO would say that they are potentially interested in a new airplane. It keeps options open, and makes it look to stakeholders and investors like the airline is actively looking at expansion options which is good business sense, even if its just all talk. In reality, as you've said, I really don't see EI going Boeing any time soon unless there is a drastic and yet unforeseen factor in the decision. The costs of introducing a small number (as it would be for EI compared to other large airlines) of a new type in terms of training, equipment, maintenance and loss of commonality would far outweigh the benefits of what they have now. A330s are proven for EI's route profile, they are a lot cheaper new than 787/350 and any higher running cost is far outweighed by the savings mentioned already.

basill

The engines for the 321LRs are already confirmed and ordered and the aircraft start arriving early next year. They aren't Pratts - thankfully. I would expect the initial routes will be adding capacity onto the existing destinations for the first few months (there are only 2 coming initially anyway). Once the commercial team have reviewed the expressions of interest for new routes then negotiations will commence and it will follow that any new route announcements can be made.

Van.Bosch

Appreciate it’s subject to change but does anyone know which aircraft is scheduled to do EI 137 to Boston tomorrow?

Tenger

Saw on DUB spotters group that EI-GEY had its 1st commercial flight for EI yesterday. Took supporters to Bilbao.

Listening to Newstalk earlier today, it appears that EI oversold the flight and 'a handful of fans' were denied boarding.
Sounds farcical, surely the depts in EI could talk to each other about the amount of seats avail on an extra sector laid on for a sports event?

Wiki says Qatar have 2 layout for their A332s (24/236 or 24/246) I assume EI-GEY is 24/236 as that is less than their existing A332s.

Shn99

Tenger wrote: »

Saw on DUB spitters group that EI-GEY had its 1st commercial flight for EI yesterday. Took supporters to Bilbao.

Listening to Newstalk earlier today, it appears that EI oversold the flight and 'a handful of fans' were denied boarding.
Sounds farcical, surely the depts in EI could talk to each other about the amount of seats avail on an extra sector laid on for a sports event?

Wiki says Qatar have 2 layout for their A332s (24/236 or 24/246) I assume EI-GEY is 24/236 as that is less than their existing A332s.

Affected pax were rerouted via AMS but 2 rejected the offer and opted for the comensation instead

Van.Bosch

Shn99 wrote: »

Affected pax were rerouted via AMS but 2 rejected the offer and opted for the comensation instead

Also EI are saying they didn’t overbook but rather some aircraft issues meant they had to down gauge.

Tenger

Van.Bosch wrote: »

Also EI are saying they didn’t overbook but rather some aircraft issues meant they had to down gauge.

Maybe so. Just checked wiki page, they have 4 cabin configs among their 5 A332s. (24/236, 24/243, 24/248 or 21/252)
So EI-GEY has 6 less seats than next up cabin, 13 less than the largest A332.

*Their -300 fleet shows only 2 setups among 8 aircraft.

Jamie2k9

While they didn't overbook it, it was an unacceptable mess up. The 05.55 A320 allegedly could have accommodated them and if that was the case then they really f***ed up last night as they knew full well the aircraft would have been out of position. Instead just waiting until boarding to tell people.

Chances are the ones who didn't go were not going to the game or had no tickets before travel.

California Dreamer

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

Chances are the ones who didn't go were not going to the game or had no tickets before travel.

Assumption is the mother...........etc etc.

joeysoap

According to the Sunday Times ,1 re routed via Amsterdam (not going to the match) two via Madrid - arriving 1 hour before match due to start. (I assume AL would book and pay for taxi straight to the ground ?)

And two were offered €250, refused it, increased to €400, accepted it but were due to arrive after the match was over. Paper said AL blamed it on aircraft out of position owing to Italian strike.

I confess I didn’t know AL were using 332s on Italian flights.