Aer Lingus Fleet/Routes Discussion

Mebuntu · 15-09-2019 10:40am

Strumms wrote: »

Basically for the PR Aer Lingus would get

PR? I don't get it.

I doubt there is anyone out there who would be influenced to choose to fly with Airline X just because they saw a photo of Team Y or Celebrity Z getting onboard.

LXFlyer · 15-09-2019 11:21am

Mebuntu wrote: »

PR? I don't get it.

I doubt there is anyone out there who would be influenced to choose to fly with Airline X just because they saw a photo of Team Y or Celebrity Z getting onboard.

So why do Aer Lingus and for example QANTAS bother sponsoring the rugby teams at all then?

MJohnston · 15-09-2019 11:36am

Their sponsorship obviously has *some* positive effects, otherwise they (probably) wouldn't waste the money, but they're probably not for the benefit of Irish people. I'd say it has more about hitting the audience on the other side of the trips - London, Chicago, Paris, or wherever. Which would make it completely pointless for Aer Lingus to fly the team to a destination country that they don't normally fly to.

Locker10a · 15-09-2019 11:43am

Mebuntu wrote: »

PR? I don't get it.

I doubt there is anyone out there who would be influenced to choose to fly with Airline X just because they saw a photo of Team Y or Celebrity Z getting onboard.

Why would any large company sponsor any sports club/team or any other event for that matter!? It creates brand awareness, it’s marketing, advertising and helps the brand become recognisable.

Mebuntu · 15-09-2019 3:25pm

Locker10a wrote: »

Why would any large company sponsor any sports club/team or any other event for that matter!? It creates brand awareness, it’s marketing, advertising and helps the brand become recognisable.

I wasn't talking about advertising as a policy.

Part of the discussion on here is about whether Aer Lingus might have "missed an opportunity" of good PR by not flying the team all the way to Japan. I'm simply saying that, imho, nobody really cares whether they did or did not and would not be influenced by the photocall. It would not come into the equation at all when people are buying tickets.

LXFlyer · 15-09-2019 3:32pm

Mebuntu wrote: »

I wasn't talking about advertising as a policy.

Part of the discussion on here is about whether Aer Lingus might have "missed an opportunity" of good PR by not flying the team all the way to Japan. I'm simply saying that, imho, nobody really cares whether they did or did not and would not be influenced by the photocall. It would not come into the equation at all when people are buying tickets.

Maybe not for YOU, but you're making some very sweeping statements about everyone else - clearly it may influence some people. They wouldn't do it otherwise.

We are all different. Applying your personal preferences as the same as everyone else is very presumptive.

Tenger · 15-09-2019 3:46pm

Corporate tie-is like this are hard to quantify. Obviously EI have done the maths and feel it is worth it for them.

Whether it influences customer choice is hard to say, but it's also hard to say it that doesn't. Different ppl are influenced by different things. Personally I'm shocked that my 3 sisters who are working professionals are influenced by recommendations by certain Instagram "influencers".

The IRFU deal may make EI a more premium option in certain ppls eyes.
And the images of the team leaving Dublin were certainly given a lot of social media coverage on the day.

Jack1985 · 16-09-2019 2:24pm

lfc200 wrote: »

What is the general uptake like for it?
I was on my usual Heathrow - Cork flight last night and the Aer space seats at the front were all empty

As I said targetated routes. Your experience on one particular flight is not reflective of the new class of travel overall.

L1011 · 16-09-2019 4:27pm

EI and DAA staff definitely need to be given more info on AerSpace. Fast track staff unaware, lounge staff not sure, onboard staff not sure about the food entitlement.

California Dreamer · 16-09-2019 4:51pm

Outside of an Airbus Jumbo Jet 737 that Joe Public sees do they have any real knowledge or really care who is taking the Irish rugby team anywhere?

liiga · 18-09-2019 10:51pm

Is A321neo ei-lrb still due TOMMORROW

flange888 · 18-09-2019 10:54pm

liiga wrote:

Is A321neo ei-lrb still due TOMMORROW

Nope...most likely Tuesday

liiga · 18-09-2019 11:11pm

flange888 wrote: »

liiga wrote:

Is A321neo ei-lrb still due TOMMORROW

Nope...most likely Tuesday

Okay ðŸ‘

Van.Bosch · 19-09-2019 8:57am

When is it going into service? There was a list a while back but can’t find it. Is it going to do the MSP route?

Locker10a · 19-09-2019 8:59am

When does SNN get the a321neo ? And anyone know will there be a new route ex SNN as the NEO is going to do the early LHR rotation leaving the regular 320 free in the morning?

LXFlyer · 19-09-2019 11:31am

No confirmation of any new route out of SNN as of yet.

Van.Bosch · 19-09-2019 12:01pm

LXFlyer wrote: »

No confirmation of any new route out of SNN as of yet.

It would be a pretty small window too right? So options would be limited.

JCX BXC · 19-09-2019 12:10pm

Van.Bosch wrote: »

It would be a pretty small window too right? So options would be limited.

Anything that could be back by 11:45am, so a flight leaving around 6am shouldn't have too small a range.

kevinandrew · 19-09-2019 3:15pm

Van.Bosch wrote: »

When is it going into service? There was a list a while back but can’t find it. Is it going to do the MSP route?

MSP is down as a 5 weekly A332 service next summer so doesn’t look like it’s going there anytime soon.

The last update from Routes Online;

SNN-BOS 27OCT19
DUB-IAD 29OCT19
DUB-PHL 01NOV19

This is from the June update so is possibly out of date.

The next A321LR route is still over a month away so EI-LRB will either join EI-LRA on Hartford or sit in the hanger for a few weeks.

Locker10a · 19-09-2019 3:39pm

Van.Bosch wrote: »

It would be a pretty small window too right? So options would be limited.

They could technically fit in a MAD/BCN to tie into IAG connections, BCN could also serve as a leisure route.
Possibly a German or French city too

kevinandrew · 19-09-2019 3:58pm

The second A321LR is currently on its first test flight after completing its taxi and RTO tests this morning.

Looks like it’s west of Berlin at the moment and heading back north towards Hamburg.

x567 · 19-09-2019 4:20pm

Locker10a wrote: »

They could technically fit in a MAD/BCN to tie into IAG connections, BCN could also serve as a leisure route.
Possibly a German or French city too

My guess would be either another UK destination to try to feed their T/A flights - maybe LGW or Manchester - albeit that both have competition on the routes already and LGW might cannibalise their own LHR demand; or a near-ish sunshine route. BCN or MAD would be lovely though...

HTCOne · 19-09-2019 4:31pm

x567 wrote: »

My guess would be either another UK destination to try to feed their T/A flights - maybe LGW or Manchester - albeit that both have competition on the routes already and LGW might cannibalise their own LHR demand; or a near-ish sunshine route. BCN or MAD would be lovely though...

I’d think they’d want to fill the J cabin, best way to do that is transfers. Uf they even launch a new route at all I’d guess CDG.

Van.Bosch · 19-09-2019 5:27pm

Locker10a wrote: »

They could technically fit in a MAD/BCN to tie into IAG connections, BCN could also serve as a leisure route.
Possibly a German or French city too

But the A321LR is going to do Heathrow, which frees up the A320. So the gap is only for a LHR sector length, unless there was a buffer in its schedule to begin with?

Locker10a · 19-09-2019 5:41pm

Van.Bosch wrote: »

But the A321LR is going to do Heathrow, which frees up the A320. So the gap is only for a LHR sector length, unless there was a buffer in its schedule to begin with?

The first LHR departs SNN at 7:30am, I’d they set a 6am departure like they do in DUB and ORK bases they’d have an extra 90mins to go further.

LXFlyer · 19-09-2019 5:43pm

Van.Bosch wrote: »

But the A321LR is going to do Heathrow, which frees up the A320. So the gap is only for a LHR sector length, unless there was a buffer in its schedule to begin with?

Completely incorrect.

There is plenty of room for a longer flight.

Look at when the first flight from Shannon to Heathrow departs - it’s dictated by the slots at Heathrow and is substantially later than an alternative flight would need to be.

Van.Bosch · 19-09-2019 6:14pm

LXFlyer wrote: »

Completely incorrect.

There is plenty of room for a longer flight.

Look at when the first flight from Shannon to Heathrow departs - it’s dictated by the slots at Heathrow and is substantially later than an alternative flight would need to be.

So “completely incorrect” is a bit harsh! I said unless there is a buffer in the schedule already, which there is.

liiga · 19-09-2019 7:25pm

It might do the first London Heathrow flight on 1st October

LXFlyer · 19-09-2019 7:31pm

Van.Bosch wrote: »

So “completely incorrect” is a bit harsh! I said unless there is a buffer in the schedule already, which there is.

Fair enough but to be fair it had already been mentioned that it would need to be back by about 11:45. By any measure that leaves room to go a lot further than LHR!

Jack1985 · 19-09-2019 7:39pm

The intention is to use the 320 in SNN to do FAO/AGP in the morn with the later LHR’s in the afternoon freeing up room for capacity growth out of DUB and ORK.

BZ · 19-09-2019 9:13pm

Jack1985 wrote: »

The intention is to use the 320 in SNN to do FAO/AGP in the morn with the later LHR’s in the afternoon freeing up room for capacity growth out of DUB and ORK.

Not confirmed. There may be news out of SNN in the coming weeks.

Karl8415 · 20-09-2019 8:07pm

Can I ask if there’s any update on the 321 LR been certified to fly distance to MSP, i appreciate that it’s down to be serviced by 332 next year,I think I read not so long ago that it wasn’t certified to travel the distance at that time,I’m just asking because thinking out load,I wonder when EI have enough NEO’S that they could send one to MSP on a route proving trip and report back to Airbus so they can collectively sign off on it to travel with passengers

Jack1985 · 20-09-2019 10:09pm

Karl8415 wrote: »

Can I ask if there’s any update on the 321 LR been certified to fly distance to MSP, i appreciate that it’s down to be serviced by 332 next year,I think I read not so long ago that it wasn’t certified to travel the distance at that time,I’m just asking because thinking out load,I wonder when EI have enough NEO’S that they could send one to MSP on a route proving trip and report back to Airbus so they can collectively sign off on it to travel with passengers

LRA, LRB and LRC have two additional tanks, LRD will have three. None of the current orders for the 321LR will hold the range for MSP. The XLR will, however by the time it arrives possibly during low season.

There's a few issues with performance currently regarding weather conditions and LRA being full heading to Bradley. With the issues with toilets in the aft, its possible removing a few rows and placing a toilet toward the forward of the economy cabin could both boost experience and alleviate some performance issues encountered so far. LRA, LRB and LRC will primarily service DUB-BDL and SNN-BOS/JFK due range with the two additional tanks.

Karl8415 · 21-09-2019 10:06am

Jack1985 wrote: »

LRA, LRB and LRC have two additional tanks, LRD will have three. None of the current orders for the 321LR will hold the range for MSP. The XLR will, however by the time it arrives possibly during low season.

There's a few issues with performance currently regarding weather conditions and LRA being full heading to Bradley. With the issues with toilets in the aft, its possible removing a few rows and placing a toilet toward the forward of the economy cabin could both boost experience and alleviate some performance issues encountered so far. LRA, LRB and LRC will primarily service DUB-BDL and SNN-BOS/JFK due range with the two additional tanks.

Thank you jack for your reply,I appreciate it,
But can I ask why does EI configure these aircraft differently when it comes to fuel tanks, would it not be easier to have every aircraft the same so they can be utilized on every route in the network because for example if one aircraft with 3 tanks is running late EI can’t dispatch another neo that only has 2 to MXP,I’m just wondering what’s the logic behind it

Jack1985 · 21-09-2019 1:38pm

Karl8415 wrote: »

Thank you jack for your reply,I appreciate it,
But can I ask why does EI configure these aircraft differently when it comes to fuel tanks, would it not be easier to have every aircraft the same so they can be utilized on every route in the network because for example if one aircraft with 3 tanks is running late EI can’t dispatch another neo that only has 2 to MXP,I’m just wondering what’s the logic behind it

Well there is no need for a third tank on the DUB-BDL and SNN/BOS routes. These additional tanks further limit cargo hold capacity, so LRA to LRC will be able to carry additional cargo versus LRD and the other neos on the way. It makes sense. Many airlines have multiple variations of the same aircraft for this exact reason.

smurfjed · 21-09-2019 3:35pm

How flexible is the Additional Center Tank in the A321, is it a line replaceable item that can be easily removed?

sherology · 21-09-2019 4:35pm

smurfjed wrote: »

How flexible is the Additional Center Tank in the A321, is it a line replaceable item that can be easily removed?

I'll let a more knowledge person answer your question, but they are supposed to be pretty easily added and removed... Although theory and practice no doubt differ.

It does go to show how the LR is really a stopgap aircraft, with the built in RCT of the XLR being the real trucker. I don't see any more LR sales happening, and those that exist, will likely be recommisoned to a321neos in later years (removal of heavy and inefficient ACTs).

Tenger · 22-09-2019 2:02pm

Got it spot on. The LR is very much a rush job. Airbus originally planned a redesigned wing but this would have delayed launch (and orders) and given the B737MAX/B787-8 more business.

Thus the addition of fuel bladders to the A321neo creates this niche variant. Remove these and you get a standard A321neo.
The A321XLR will be the real end goal of this design program.

Ninja edit as I missed that last, crucial 'X'

basill · 22-09-2019 2:22pm

XLR I think you mean. Agreed. Better/larger wing, higher cruise levels and speed and it will be in a class of its own.

adam88 · 23-09-2019 6:02am

Still not a fan crossing the Atlantic in a narrow body. Some psychological that makes a single aisle plane so cramped

JCX BXC · 23-09-2019 7:29am

adam88 wrote: »

Still not a fan crossing the Atlantic in a narrow body. Some psychological that makes a single aisle plane so cramped

It's hardly a new idea, the 757 has been tankering back and forward over the Atlantic for quite a while now. Appears it doesn't seem to bother most people.

goingnowhere · 23-09-2019 3:04pm

Folks forget the first successful jet across the Atlantic was the 707 which has exactly the same fuselage dimensions as the 737 (and 727, 757), A32x is wider

duskyjoe · 23-09-2019 3:54pm

Was it not the 720??

roundymac · 23-09-2019 4:12pm

duskyjoe wrote: »

Was it not the 720??

Was for EI.

kevinandrew · 23-09-2019 4:38pm

The second A321LR for Aer Lingus had its customer acceptance flight this afternoon. It spent 1hr 25min in the air.

liiga · 23-09-2019 5:10pm

EI-LRB due TOMMORROW ?

Karl8415 · 24-09-2019 12:31pm

Just wondering with the 2nd NEO due today how long before it enters revenue service and which route will it enter because judging by posts I think I’m right in saying that the 3rd isn’t far behind either so it’s exciting times with these arriving and not forgetting the 330 that’s due also

liiga · 24-09-2019 2:01pm

EI-LRB be stored for two weeks and fly on the first London Heathrow service on 1st October

Van.Bosch · 24-09-2019 2:07pm

liiga wrote: »

EI-LRB be stored for two weeks and fly on the first London Heathrow service on 1st October

And what TATL route will it serve do we know?

Jack1985 · 24-09-2019 2:17pm

liiga wrote: »

EI-LRB be stored for two weeks and fly on the first London Heathrow service on 1st October

It’s the 24/09 sooo a week the same as LRA.. LRA then will return to the hangar for a cabin addition (lighting).

Aer Lingus Fleet/Routes Discussion

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