Aer Lingus Fleet/ Routes Discussion Pt 2 (ALL possible routes included)

what I take from all that is “Mueller really knew his stuff”. It has been lacking since.

I was just thinking some of those Mad Dogs were 40 plus years old and still going strong up to their retirement.

Not that we need to point it out but for non aerosexuals, a 20 year old aircraft versus a 20 year old car are worlds apart!

It might seem unfair to casual visitors, but this forum has already explored most topics in depth long before someone drops in and also the 1st year journo needing material for an article.

What may come across as dismissive is more a reflection of the fact that many of us have debated these subjects extensively.

That said, we welcome all thoughtful discussion—just be aware that you’re stepping into an ongoing conversation rather than starting a new one and we (myself included) can be moody c**ts at the best of times!!!

The short answer to your question, not needing to go an research 160 pages…..EI are firmly committed to all this U S of A as that's where the golden goose is. Is there a case for LATAM? Sure, why not. They already fly to most places in Europe. But people that get paid a lot more than me and actually know what they are doing possess tons of data on routes.

Saudi, that's a different animal. Who's to say that Riyadh Air do not include DUB on its route network when they eventually launch?

New engine is fitted on her. She’s going for a repaint 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Because they need to get them done while they are in their quiet season. Everything will start ramping up the week before Paddy’s day.

IAC in Dublin and Shannon are not part of EI and they have other customers for painting work. They are never idle. Therefore, as necessary, it is a matter of identifying a provider who can do the work within the key months as far as EI are concerned.

The next new A320NEO for Aer Lingus, EI-NSH, has been assigned test registration of F-WWTX.

They’re rolling in at a steady rate. I’d expect IAG to assign some more NEO delivery slots to EI in due course on a 1 to 1 replacement basis for the CEO fleet.

I don't know who it was, but someone here posted a few years ago that we will look back fondly upon how comfortable the old Aer Lingus A320s were. How right they were.

Personally I find the A320neo (with Airbus Airspace cabin) a significant upgrade on the older aircraft. It’s modern, aesthetically much more pleasing and feels roomier. The seats are of course a downgrade on the 2004 era design we see on the older A320s but if you’re a regular with pretty much every other European airline they’ll feel very similar. Legroom feels tighter despite the slimline design but USB ports are a welcome addition. I think WiFi should be added too and it’s a missed opportunity for them not to feature it on a new fleet.

While some will say it was a nice differentiator from Ryanair, and I’d agree, in reality very few people will have ever paid significantly more to fly Aer Lingus just because they had slightly nicer seats. It’s now 186 seats versus 174, the advantages that brings is a no brainer for any airline.

Aer Lingus to add premium economy class+new business class from winter 2026

On page 4

What are the current offerings for Airbus A330 PE? Who else is offering it and what is the seat like?

It’s essentially a requirement of the transatlantic joint venture so both Iberia and Finnair offer a very similar product, Finnair features a nicer seat in my opinion.

A330 cabin is usually 3 rows in a 2-3-2 configuration, wider seats, 38” seat pitch and larger IFE screens.

While the seats are a nice upgrade on economy, the soft product needs to be decent too and that can be very hit and miss no matter what airline you’re flying with. The old pre-order meals were similar, if not slightly better, than your average PE offering so something along those lines would be the bare minimum. A small amenity kit, unlimited drinks, free WiFi, higher quality headphones, blankets etc.

The Recaro offering is becoming a bellwether option. With Recaro being used in economy also it's a likely choice. AA's forthcoming XLR cabin has this seat if I remember the video correctly.

Personally, I'd love to see EI add a front rows of these on their 320neos without screens and with limited/shortened recline to trial a proper business type product for IAG, but won't happen. They're letting EURO business kill itself by making it worthless.