Bussywussy wrote: » 100% there's been no decision yet on whether yes or no.within IAG it's quite likely they will assign them to EI but as its a new type it'll need a good bit if notice training wise unlike the 330s where it became public EI were being assigned them Airbus already had them beginning production for IAG
Fattes wrote: » But the A350, are a one for one replacement for the older 8 A330'S and one extra? They A330's need replacing also would have been nice to see them go for the A350-1000 to give them a bigger load capacity and more options for routes.
Tenger wrote: » The current order is for 9 A350-900. EI originally ordered the XWB in 2006/7. After Finnair, they were I think the 2nd European airline to order it. At the time the -1000 wasn't an option. However the -1000 is a big jump in capacity and range from the A330's that they currently have. As it is, there are question marks over whether EI actually need the range capabilities of the A350, hence why they are going for the Regional version. (Its a software downgrade to the engines which extends engine lifespan) It only provides a c.10% capacity increase over the A330. While it is definitely more efficient than the A330neo the question is whether the increased price is worth the slightly increased efficiency when EI only really operate 2 'proper' longhaul routes. (SFO and LAX) They may operate another 1 or two 'longhaul' by 2018 however? Current fleet is 8 A330 with 2 more coming this Summer and another 2 A330 expected in 2017. If the A350's do get delivered to EI in 2018 then they will operate a mixed fleet of A330 and A350, the A350's will replace the A332's and perhaps the older A333's. No need to replace newer A330's (Quick online check tells me that current EI A330 fleet were delivered in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2007, 2009, 2009, 2010, [2 more in 2016])
Tenger wrote: » Not a bad point re the 1000 variant. The thing is....BA want those -1000's. They wont give them away to EI. EI have -900's slots. IAG might be able to get some wiggle room to change those to -1000's. (Am not sure is that possible?) Keep in mind that the A350 production list is pretty booked up for the next 3-4 years. And having a not too dissmilar capacity between both types allows EI to manage yield vs capacity across their route network as they already do with the c.270 seater A332 and the c.315 seater A330.
Strumms wrote: » Just throwing this out here but none of the EI A350's are in assembly so they would only have a slot with Airbus in the production schedule so you would imagine if EI did want to upgrade to the 1000 series that it would be just a case of EI / IAG talking to airbus and agreeing a new price for the larger airframe no ?
Fattes wrote: » That is what I was thinking, One might be on the production line all ready (I recall seeing something here). I am guessing with the increased, access to airframes operated by IAG, it may also give them some flexibility.
Tenger wrote: » the operator needs to lock in their specs 15-18 months ahead of planned delivery
Bussywussy wrote: » Ha It's EI we're talking about.
Tenger wrote: » Its on the production list.....MSN 197, estimate based on planned production schedule is Q2 2018. Actual assembly of the airframe wouldn't begin until approx 3-4 months prior to completion, however production smaller parts might begin 5-6 months before that. Which means the operator needs to lock in their specs 15-18 months ahead of planned delivery, especially important when an airline is introducing a new cabin product with a new type. (This combination caused a lot of problems with the introduction of the A380 and B787 for several airlines, whereas BA went with the trusted hard product on their A380)
Tenger wrote: » Yeah good point. However should be easy enough; Use the current J class seats. (How many to fit? Use the same Y seats as IB. (IAG synergy?) Panasonic IFE system. Only question is Premium Economy or extra Economy seats, and that decision will be up to IAG, not EI. Which wi-fi system to install will be a decision for IAG aswell. EI use a Panasonic system but IAG recently announced they would install GoGo internet on their aircraft from 2017.
Mebuntu wrote: » 762 (operated by Omni ex SNN)...is this painted in EI livery?
Carnacalla wrote: » Yes :https://www.aerlingus.com/about-us/fleet/boeing-767/ Commences operations in 6 days.
roundymac wrote: » When is that 767 due to start? I must try and get up to SNN and see this year.
Dardania wrote: » Interesting article popped up on airliners.net about A380s for EI for JFK route:http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/6714183/ Thinking about it, they could brand it as part of Open Skies? Generic name, they already fly to JFK, and would allow re-assignment over time / winter months... What I find interesting, if this is true, is what EI will do with all of their freed up A330s...
Tenger wrote: » From chatting to EI mates I would concur with the above. Rather than follow the orvious CEO strategy of go for a seperate market segment the current leadership in EI seem to think that cutting back will increase efficiency which will make them able to compete against the biggest airline in the world. Im no CEO and I dont have an MBA...but i dont think thats a good strategy.
joeysoap wrote: » I have heard that staff have their increments frozen for the past 5 years. Is there any truth in this and if so why aren't the unions doing something about it? Afaik increments are part and parcel of your contract with your employer.
