Aer Lingus Fleet/Routes Discussion

kevinandrew

I see EI-LRB made its first transatlantic crossing yesterday, did the LHR rotation in the morning and then went stateside to BDL in the afternoon.

The opposite is happening today, EI-LRA did LHR this morning and is currently on its way to BDL once again.

Nice to see them both in action on long haul and short haul as planned.

Jack1985

EI-LRA had a hangar visit yesterday so LRB took the honours, LRB also needs mood lighting fitted.

Locker10a

Jack1985 wrote: »

EI-LRA had a hangar visit yesterday so LRB took the honours, LRB also needs mood lighting fitted.

Odd something like that can’t be fitted in the factory

Jack1985

Locker10a wrote: »

Odd something like that can’t be fitted in the factory

Absolutely thought the exact same.

alancostello

Locker10a wrote: »

Odd something like that can’t be fitted in the factory

It can, I just imagine EI can do it significantly cheaper right now themselves, especially as they’re in the middle of fitting it on older aircraft so have the expertise.

adam88

Is the IFE available on the LHR leg. I presume the aircraft gets cleaned afterwards especially so after the bad press has gotten in the last week about dirty aircraft

Kev11491

https://youtu.be/l_s5t_H94N8 someone has a review up on the LR from LHR

sherology

Kev11491 wrote: »

https://youtu.be/l_s5t_H94N8 someone has a review up on the LR from LHR

I do love the styling of the new Collins seats (economy)... Grey's and a little lime piping looks sweet. Do hope they bring it through the existing fleet. Blue leather, while practical, is very brandless.

Any word of new uniforms? I assume the coloring and accents (ties/scarf etc.) Will take a cue from the greys and greens we see in the cabin.

kevinandrew

Looks like a really nice aircraft, the economy cabin seems smart and a bit more spacious than the standard short haul layout. I do like the grey seats with the green trim, it's modern while maintaining a hint of Aer Lingus' character. I still prefer it with the new green/blue headrest covers though, I think they add just the right amount of colour. Seems the entertainment is up and running now, I'm guessing 'LRB didn't have the content loaded or licensed yet.

Locker10a

sherology wrote: »

I do love the styling of the new Collins seats (economy)... Grey's and a little lime piping looks sweet. Do hope they bring it through the existing fleet. Blue leather, while practical, is very brandless.

Any word of new uniforms? I assume the coloring and accents (ties/scarf etc.) Will take a cue from the greys and greens we see in the cabin.

New uniform will be mostly teal and navy from what I’ve heard

Karl8415

Any feedback heard on how the LR has handled the T/A flights so far,has it performed where management taught or is it still early days to call it

Karl8415

Karl8415 wrote: »

Any feedback heard on how the LR has handled the T/A flights so far,has it performed where management taught or is it still early days to call it

Might want to read the thread for your answer.

alancostello

TAP have started operating their LIS-IAD A321LR flights as of October 7th, so at least we know that with a sufficient runway the plane is more than capable.

Bsal

alancostello wrote: »

TAP have started operating their LIS-IAD A321LR flights as of October 7th, so at least we know that with a sufficient runway the plane is more than capable.

Air Transat are also using the LR on Bordeaux-Montreal 7.5hrs, the things you can do with a few hundred metres of extra runway.

flange888

Locker10a wrote:

Odd something like that can’t be fitted in the factory

EI-LRB is fitted, LRA will be by the end of the week, Substantially cheaper for EIN to fit it themselves.

Shamrockj

Anyone have any idea when -LRC and the new A330 -EIM will be delivered and any estimates of rhe rest to follow?

goingnowhere

A330-300 HGW EI-EIM is November (ish)

A321NEOLR EI-LRC is due soon, test flight today

kevinandrew

Shamrockj wrote: »

Anyone have any idea when -LRC and the new A330 -EIM will be delivered and any estimates of rhe rest to follow?

EI-LRC had it's first flight today so delivery won't be far behind. 

EI-EIM, 'EIN are both visible at the A330 area in Toulouse, tails painted and fuselage in primer. Airbus churn A330s like there's no tomorrow down in Toulouse so the first one could easily arrive sometime around November with the other in the new year taking Christmas holiday's into account. 

The remaining four A321LRs due for next year might be ones to watch. As it stands Aer Lingus doesn't appear to going ahead with any new transatlantic destination next summer so I'm wondering if they may be deferred?

Noxegon

kevinandrew wrote: »

EI-EIM, 'EIN are both visible at the A330 area in Toulouse, tails painted and fuselage in primer

EI-EIO to follow, perhaps with a special farming livery?

sherology

Noxegon wrote: »

EI-EIO to follow, perhaps with a special farming livery?

Literally LOL... Very good

Rawr

Noxegon wrote: »

EI-EIO to follow, perhaps with a special farming livery?

Alas, EIN are too late for that one

Noxegon

It's not on the aircraft register any more, I just checked. So maybe they could claim it, assuming the registration can be reused?

sherology

kevinandrew wrote: »

EI-LRC had it's first flight today so delivery won't be far behind. 

EI-EIM, 'EIN are both visible at the A330 area in Toulouse, tails painted and fuselage in primer. Airbus churn A330s like there's no tomorrow down in Toulouse so the first one could easily arrive sometime around November with the other in the new year taking Christmas holiday's into account. 

The remaining four A321LRs due for next year might be ones to watch. As it stands Aer Lingus doesn't appear to going ahead with any new transatlantic destination next summer so I'm wondering if they may be deferred?

It is odd no route info has been forthcoming (assume now there are no new routes), but perhaps it's time to replace some of the older 330-200 frames, and build more frequency into the TATL network with the LRs to solidy the network and reduce potential for unrecoverable tech issues that seem to occur at the worst of times for the airline - and generate a lot of bad press.

Keeping the owned EI-LAX serviceable, perhaps using it on a few sun routes route as std (to keep it fresh and flexible), may be wise, giving the airline a little manoeuvre room. Same for the owned a321's.

If EI do remove the 330-200's from mainline/daily service next year/soon... The new -300s can replace those. The new LRs (beyond 757 replacements) may add an extra service to JFK/BOS, assuming there are the #s for them. An early morning departure would be nice, and enable more connections to more locations as you have the entire US day schedule to connect into.

Anywho... Time will tell.

alancostello

So now that we have two A321LRs online, and hopefully soon a third, has there been any update to the 757s retirement? The original plan I believe was three to leave this year, and one next year, is that still the case? All 4 are still currently in use each day serving SNN-BOS/JFK and DUB-MSP/PHL.

dfx-

Having had my first experience of the Lufthansa A320neo yesterday and its minimal seat pitch, is it expected that the likely replacements for the EI A320 fleet will be them?

Hopefully not..

goingnowhere

LAX is only flying as EI own her. Needs major structural work this winter thats the decision point, she got whacked a few times in recent years by ground equipment so no fault of the folks in Hanger 6 or Bordeaux. If it wasn't for that she would go on forever really as LAX despite age is incredibly reliable. Internally she is in pretty good condition, was refreshed last year and has the mode lighting. The WiFi has been broken for some time and no hurry to fix.

The 2 new A330-300's will be long haul fitted so that means they have 4 long haul -300's so can cover SEA/SFO/LAX

Word is SFO will go to 10 per week

alancostello

dfx- wrote: »

Having had my first experience of the Lufthansa A320neo yesterday and its minimal seat pitch, is it expected that the likely replacements for the EI A320 fleet will be them?

Hopefully not..

With all due respect the changing seat pitch is not a function of the aircraft type, there are 737s with as little pitch. The 320neo is the obvious choice for replacement given the already-trained pilot, cabin, handling, and maintenance crews. The seat pitch on any future aircraft is TBD.

kevinandrew

EI-LRA operated an afternoon rotation to Heathrow today. Didn’t think anything other than the morning flights were planned.

alancostello

kevinandrew wrote: »

EI-LRA operated an afternoon rotation to Heathrow today. Didn’t think anything other than the morning flights were planned.

Planned being the operative word. It could have been because the A320 went tech, or perhaps they're doing it to provide more opportunities for familiarisation.

liiga

Aerlingus to use ECO fuel next year


Dose anyone know when aerlingus put the A321neo on Amsterdam

goingnowhere

LHR first, then CDG

knockon

goingnowhere wrote: »

LAX is only flying as EI own her. Needs major structural work this winter thats the decision point, she got whacked a few times in recent years by ground equipment so no fault of the folks in Hanger 6 or Bordeaux. If it wasn't for that she would go on forever really as LAX despite age is incredibly reliable. Internally she is in pretty good condition, was refreshed last year and has the mode lighting. The WiFi has been broken for some time and no hurry to fix.

The 2 new A330-300's will be long haul fitted so that means they have 4 long haul -300's so can cover SEA/SFO/LAX

Word is SFO will go to 10 per week

I did LAX on LAX last year. My young lad saw one of the cabin crew “disappear” into a closet behind the lav’s. We were sitting around 21h an k I think. Crew Rest pod?

knockon

goingnowhere wrote: »

LAX is only flying as EI own her. Needs major structural work this winter thats the decision point, she got whacked a few times in recent years by ground equipment so no fault of the folks in Hanger 6 or Bordeaux. If it wasn't for that she would go on forever really as LAX despite age is incredibly reliable. Internally she is in pretty good condition, was refreshed last year and has the mode lighting. The WiFi has been broken for some time and no hurry to fix.

The 2 new A330-300's will be long haul fitted so that means they have 4 long haul -300's so can cover SEA/SFO/LAX

Word is SFO will go to 10 per week

I did LAX on LAX last year. My young lad saw one of the cabin crew “disappear” into a closet behind the lav’s. We were sitting around 21h an k I think. Crew Rest pod?

cson

dfx- wrote: »

Having had my first experience of the Lufthansa A320neo yesterday and its minimal seat pitch, is it expected that the likely replacements for the EI A320 fleet will be them?

Hopefully not..

If you think LH is bad you should see what BA's new A32Xneo's are like.

Jamie2k9

https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/huge-issue-aer-lingus-forced-to-postpone-introduction-of-new-routes-between-dublin-and-us-due-to-airbus-a321lr-aircraft-delays-38582705.html?fbclid=IwAR2e3d9XWf7yl1zZc_uqmM7bA09wpwcpb6LM_p_xBi7qvd-f4hJ3LvXkoVg

'Huge issue' - Aer Lingus forced to postpone introduction of new routes between Dublin and US due to Airbus A321LR aircraft delays

Bit of a non story here...

goingnowhere

Thats the LDMCR

Its a special pod which is loaded through the cargo door which joins up with the access door between the two economy sections just ahead of the 3L/3R doors

LAX/DUO/DAA/GCF/GAJ are fitted, the pod only needs to be carried for SEA/SFO/LAX so can be removed to save weight or increase cargo capacity if used on other routes, but effectively is stays in place permanently.

Hotblack Desiato

Airline CEO complains about airframers and airports. Two of their biggest cost centres. Where have we heard this before...

Shamrockj

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/huge-issue-aer-lingus-forced-to-postpone-introduction-of-new-routes-between-dublin-and-us-due-to-airbus-a321lr-aircraft-delays-38582705.html?fbclid=IwAR2e3d9XWf7yl1zZc_uqmM7bA09wpwcpb6LM_p_xBi7qvd-f4hJ3LvXkoVg



Bit of a non story here...

Is this related to the delay of YUL etc (2019) or is this about next year because it says it delayed routes until 2021?

kevinandrew

Shamrockj wrote: »

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/huge-issue-aer-lingus-forced-to-postpone-introduction-of-new-routes-between-dublin-and-us-due-to-airbus-a321lr-aircraft-delays-38582705.html?fbclid=IwAR2e3d9XWf7yl1zZc_uqmM7bA09wpwcpb6LM_p_xBi7qvd-f4hJ3LvXkoVg



Bit of a non story here...

Is this related to the delay of YUL etc (2019) or is this about  next year because it says it delayed routes until 2021?

Sounds like next year and explains why we haven't heard about any new routes for Summer 2020. I was under the impression it was Aer Lingus playing it safe considering the potential economic impact of Brexit but Walsh's comments suggest the blame is fully with delays from Airbus. 

Aer Lingus is/was expected to take delivery of four A321LR this year and four next year, some or all would have been delivered in time for next summer but it sounds like that won't be the case and Aer Lingus is having to stall transatlantic expansion plans as Airbus can't provide a solid time frame. 

I think Walsh's comments on Airbus not appreciating how important this is to an airline like Aer Lingus is very telling. Airbus' social media is full of photos and videos of airlines celebrating new deliveries, nothing for Aer Lingus though.

Jamie2k9

kevinandrew wrote: »

Sounds like next year and explains why we haven't heard about any new routes for Summer 2020. I was under the impression it was Aer Lingus playing it safe considering the potential economic impact of Brexit but Walsh's comments suggest the blame is fully with delays from Airbus. 

Aer Lingus is/was expected to take delivery of four A321LR this year and four next year, some or all would have been delivered in time for next summer but it sounds like that won't be the case and Aer Lingus is having to stall transatlantic expansion plans as Airbus can't provide a solid time frame. 

I think Walsh's comments on Airbus not appreciating how important this is to an airline like Aer Lingus is very telling. Airbus' social media is full of photos and videos of airlines celebrating new deliveries, nothing for Aer Lingus though.

I am not convinced there will be nothing for 2020, possibly scaled down plus the A330 were not part of the plan for 2020 at first and nothing official about existing leaving.

Assuming they get 5 of 8 by summer 2020, they still have a lot of capacity. It looks like there is some speculation from the Indo with Walsh giving away nothing substantial.

alancostello

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

I am not convinced there will be nothing for 2020, possibly scaled down plus the A330 were not part of the plan for 2020 at first and nothing official about existing leaving.

Assuming they get 5 of 8 by summer 2020, they still have a lot of capacity. It looks like there is some speculation from the Indo with Walsh giving away nothing substantial.

5 of 8 by summer 2020 will only be equal to this year’s requirements if they retire the 757s. This summer operated on a reduced schedule till the first A321LR came online. Two new A330-300s will only be marginal capacity growth if they’re used to replace -LAX and -EWR.

Jamie2k9

alancostello wrote: »

5 of 8 by summer 2020 will only be equal to this year’s requirements if they retire the 757s. This summer operated on a reduced schedule till the first A321LR came online. Two new A330-300s will only be marginal capacity growth if they’re used to replace -LAX and -EWR.

I don't see them replacing two A330-300 possibly one but EWR is probally on a lease term longer than 5 years.

Shamrockj

I don't see any A330 leaving for now. The plan was 2 more A330 by 2020 and 2 more in 2022 with one of the -200 leaving then
https://www.google.com/amp/s/simpleflying.com/iberia-a350-transfer/amp/

flange888

I'd say EWR will be gone early next year

Mebuntu

Willie Walsh unhappy with Airbus over delivery delays and forced postponement of new Aer Lingus Transatlantic routes:

https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/airbus-delivery-delay-scuppers-expansion-of-aer-lingus-routes-38583410.html

Shamrockj

Mebuntu wrote: »

Willie Walsh unhappy with Airbus over delivery delays and forced postponement of new Aer Lingus Transatlantic routes:

https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/airbus-delivery-delay-scuppers-expansion-of-aer-lingus-routes-38583410.html

If the neos for next year are delayed I dont understand why they dont just keep the 757s for longer and use them plus the current neos for next years expansion and replace them later.

HTCOne

Shamrockj wrote: »

If the neos for next year are delayed I dont understand why they dont just keep the 757s for longer and use them plus the current neos for next years expansion and replace them later.

I read the 3 P&W 757s at least are down for freighter conversion. Maybe ASL can’t delay delivery to the new customer without serious penalties, or maybe ASL are the freighter operator and EI don’t want to pay compensation.

Tenger

In addition if EI approach ASL about extending the lease then ASK know they have them over a barrel and can charge premium pricing.

That article has WW repating a porkie. ".....allow the airport to increase charges, at a time when everything says...that the charges should come down"
I thought the DAA wanted charges to remain as they are?


Regarding the now usual September route announcement, perhaps its delayed to to the A321LR delays. They are taking time to reassess their options?

goingnowhere

They will have 3 LR's by November, LRC had its test flight, so next is a customer acceptance flight assuming all well and delivery to Dublin. No sign of LRD but is its 9187 (LRD) vs 8965 (LRC) vs 8909 (LRB) so it will be a while before it appears.

The A330 is due in November also, and if the plan is to keep LAX & EWR in 2020 thats +1

Cloudio9

Was on LRA today from Heathrow. Felt very tight for space. I would not book this for trans Atlantic.