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

I hope they go with the racoon mask too. It makes the plane look sleek and modern and helps to differentiate it from the CEO's.

I don't think any of the current A330neo operators have opted to go without the mask which may suggest it's compulsory or at least strongly recommended by Airbus.

There's obviously only a limited number of fully painted XLR's at the moment but of those that are around, it seems only Aer Lingus and American Airlines have gone maskless. Other airlines which initially didn't have the mask on standard A321neo's have it on newer deliveries; TAP, Iberia, Wizz etc.

It's a shame Aer Lingus didn't take the option, it suits majority white liveries the most.

I think it will most likely be if its considered a “west coast” duty, which comes with different benefits for operating crew re, days off, rest area etc.

Cabin crew rest requirements are the exact same as the flight deck, the IAA doesn’t differentiate between them. There are in addition, agreements between the airline both working groups with some minor differences regarding west coast ops, all of which adhere to the IAA’s regulations.

With that being said, “if” CUN is considered a west coast duty, then an LDMCR will be a requirement. No guarantee it is tho, as MIA isn’t and is often longer than DEN which is considered one.

out of interest, I know on a 7 day route like New York if you fly in Monday you return essentially 24 hours later on the Tuesday evening flight. Does it work much the same with 3 times a week flights? So in on Monday and then return on Wednesday say? Assuming that’s the way would crew in general be happy enough to get 2 nights paid for with some expenses in a place like Cancun? Also how regular would people generally be put onto that sort of route?

Folks (and I’m not picking on anyone in particular here!!!), please try and remember that a good number of people here (i.e. those of us who don’t work in the industry) won’t necessarily know what all of these acronyms stand for.

If using one for the first time in the conversation, it’s helpful to state what they stand for!

So EASA only issue guidance, it’s then up to each individual authority to create a framework within this guidance and then for each airline to develop their own ftl’s in line with their local authorities requirements. If that makes sense.

With EI, long haul is split into two categories, east and west coast and it applies across the board to both FC and CC. All west coast will have horizontal rest areas plus some other perks if you will. Whether CUN is east or west coast is a discussion no doubt being had with the unions as we speak.

TYVM ;)

Believe it or not, they will have endless crews bidding for such longer layovers. They love it.

Basically a free holiday! They often bring family or friends with them too on staff travel tickets to make it even more enjoyable.

Now places like New York or Boston, they have been a million times and because of the frequency of the route, will be flying back anyway after 24 hours.

But Miami, Cancún, Nashville, Vegas will all be heavily sought after by crews.

I was in Dubai years ago and there was a British flight crew in our hotel. Virgin I think. They had an allowance they were spending at the poolside bar and were planning dinner. Seemed to be a very enjoyable trip for them. It sounded very much like they enjoyed the 24 odd hours they had there every so often. They were youngish in fairness so probably less family commitments. Could see it getting tedious years on end though.

I've done 14 TATL flights with Aer Lingus this year and I think there were only 2 FA's that were 'repeats' me for in J. It certainly feels like there's a very large number of FA's that flight that route, rather than it being the same crew going over and back regularly

Are there any A320s due for retirement in the near future? Theres a few that are 20 years old now.

I’ve heard it’s staying on until XLV and XLU are online.

I hope this is what I think it is ……. 🤞