Aer Lingus Fleet/Routes Discussion

kevinandrew

If the attention Aer Lingus is getting (none of it the airline has actively tried to create btw) bothers you, I’ll assume you’re lucky enough not to have too many worries during this crisis.

I’m sure most of us will be putting our efforts into more genuine concerns right now.

The airline did a job, they did it quietly and professionally, some people wish to congratulate them on that. Simple.

JCX BXC

It's a bit mad to be honest, I don't see them picking up local workers from Tesco to be on the LLS (not that they have a particular high caliber on the LLS anyway)

However live and let live!

sparrowcar

Hilarious, LinkedIn is littered with EI pilots/staff self promoting the china flights.

It's a time to be humble which many EI pilots seem to find difficult. Anyway hopefully it's just a discussion on logistics and not about reentry or weightlessness.

MJohnston

sparrowcar wrote: »

Hilarious, LinkedIn is littered with EI pilots/staff self promoting the china flights.

It's a time to be humble which many EI pilots seem to find difficult. Anyway hopefully it's just a discussion on logistics and not about reentry or weightlessness.

Stop. Just stop. You're making yourself look incredibly petty.

sparrowcar

MJohnston wrote: »

Stop. Just stop. You're making yourself look incredibly petty.

On the contrary, it's what many people are thinking. Hence the numerous comments around social media and even a thread started here on boards.

Tenger

sparrowcar wrote: »

Hilarious, LinkedIn is littered with EI pilots/staff self promoting the china flights.

It's a time to be humble which many EI pilots seem to find difficult. Anyway hopefully it's just a discussion on logistics and not about reentry or weightlessness.

I’m not on LinkedIn so I have zero interest in what ppl feel the need to post.*
Similarly I disregard most of what I see posted on Facebook.


*did create an account years ago and realised it’s just ppl making their mid level job seem like they are the power behind the CEO.

California Dreamer

MJohnston wrote: »

Stop. Just stop. You're making yourself look incredibly petty.

Petty - No

Bewildered - Yes

Globally airlines are in a crisis so they will take any work going. If that includes doing a round trip to China to pick up supplies well then so be it.

They are professionals doing a job, nothing more, nothing less.

The fawning over what in reality is a very simple task with the added worry that they don't get to put their heads down on clean sheets in a hotel for the night is staggering.

The airline would do a risk assessment. The pilots would fly the approach/landing in the sim. Now apart from all of that what is so different to a flight to LA?

They are not exactly dropping into a war zone where the risk of getting out hinges on passing the right amount of money to the right people!

The very worst that could happen to the these guys is that they are a little bit more tired from a 24 hour duty. Tell that to a doctor/nurse on the front line of this thing.

Tenger

Lets all try to focus on the topic here.
EI are operating flights to China as contracted by the Irish Govt.
Debate on the payment for the contract or the social media reaction around the country can stay on social media

Larbre34

In fairness, they flew without cabin crew and the relief pilots had to figure out the galley without burning or poisoning anyone! No mean feat on it's own!

By the way, it is extremely petty not to recognise this airlift operation and the lightning fast conversion effort in the airline to make it happen.

Comhrá

A most enjoyable interview. Very informative. I can't see why some posters would be so begrudging and cynical in their comments here.

joeysoap

Poor television

Cabin crew are taking bigger risks every day.

kmart6

Comhra wrote: »

A most enjoyable interview. Very informative. I can't see why some posters would be so begrudging and cynical in their comments here.

I would imagine it would be partially vecause they were in a protected environment the whole time they under took the trip. Those on the front line are not and are exposed to serious dangers.

sparrowcar

Represented themselves well no doubt but it really didn't warrant being on the late late show.

1000's of more deserving heroes in Ireland during this crisis could have been on.
Simple fact, anyone who thinks differently is blinded by the shamrock.

Comhrá

sparrowcar wrote: »

Represented themselves well no doubt but it really didn't warrant being on the late late show.

1000's of more deserving heroes in Ireland during this crisis could have been on.
Simple fact, anyone who thinks differently is blinded by the shamrock.

I'm pretty sure no-one in Aer Lingus asked for the crew to be featured on the LLS. I'd imagine it's more to do with the difficulties in getting regular guests to travel to Montrose in the present situation. Saying people are 'blinded by the shamrock' is ridiculous.

kevinandrew

sparrowcar wrote: »

Represented themselves well no doubt but it really didn't warrant being on the late late show.

1000's of more deserving heroes in Ireland during this crisis could have been on.
Simple fact, anyone who thinks differently is blinded by the shamrock.

Of course there are many more deserving of the most honourable recognition of being on the Late Late, I don’t think anybody is disputing that.

If it bothers you so much, maybe take it up with The Late Late producers, not the airline which remains near silent on the matter.

Aer Lingus is doing a job, it is doing it quietly and professionally. The media and general public seem to have a big interest in the operation, that’s up to them.

L1011

Could we go back to fleet/routes and not this, please

Tenger

As above I think their appearance on LLS was more a desire from RTÉ than a need for good PR.

(*Don’t watch the LLS myself, so not really bothered by this appearance.)

So as I requested already, regardless of our personal views let’s try to move on from nitpicking the national/social media response to this contracted cargo operation.

Phil.x

Would there be staff beds on those A330, like secret beds in the ceiling void.

L1011

Phil.x wrote: »

Would there be staff beds on those A330, like secret beds in the ceiling void.

Considering this is actually a fleet related question...

A number of A330s are fitted with under-floor crew rests. In this case they would be using business class flatbeds which would be more comfortable.

irishkopite93

Any idea why Aerlingus are doing morning rotations to Edinburgh and Glasgow with a 320? Surely if stobart pulled the ATR from these the numbers aren't there to warrant a 320 in the current climate?

Larbre34

irishkopite93 wrote: »

Any idea why Aerlingus are doing morning rotations to Edinburgh and Glasgow with a 320? Surely if stobart pulled the ATR from these the numbers aren't there to warrant a 320 in the current climate?

Cos they don't have access to anything smaller right now?

Any flights currently are essential service stuff, repatriation and so on. In all likelihood Ireland - Britain sectors are going without catering at the moment, the 320 serves a useful purpose of permitting distancing on board for a skeleton crew and light pax load

goingnowhere

Phil.x wrote: »

Would there be staff beds on those A330, like secret beds in the ceiling void.

There is a crew rest module which slots into the cargo hold which has a magic door at the L3 position from the main cabin. There is a bunk behind the cockpit on at least one aircraft.

The aircraft being used to PEK some don't have the crew module fitted, it possible it was removed on the others to make more space in the hold.

Its a lot nicer in business class, quieter for a start, 30 seats 8 people so heaps of room though I'm guessing 3K and 5K were prized choices for the pilots who flew back

Cloudio9

Thought it was funny the engineer saying he had to go back and check on the cargo every 15-20 minutes. Was thinking to myself that’s a lot more attention than the passengers on the A330 get.

Foggy43

Cloudio9 wrote: »

Thought it was funny the engineer saying he had to go back and check on the cargo every 15-20 minutes. Was thinking to myself that’s a lot more attention than the passengers on the A330 get.

Another job the cabin crew have and that is usually over looked, is being fire wardens. Probably isn't noticed but they do patrols. Toilet bins and the IFE systems do need checking. All those boxes strapped to the seats do need monitoring. There is always a chance.

Gekko

I presume AL aren’t applying social/ physical distancing rules in terms of seating arrangements on flights or are they, out of curiosity?

fishy_fishy

Gekko wrote: »

I presume AL aren’t applying social/ physical distancing rules in terms of seating arrangements on flights or are they, out of curiosity?

They are. Assigned seating, outbound and inbound crews separated, relief pilot in the middle.

flanzer

fishy_fishy wrote: »

They are. Assigned seating, outbound and inbound crews separated, relief pilot in the middle.

They've been assigned a toilet too

Sheep Shagger

Pic from @aerlingus on Twitter

easypazz

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

Pic from @aerlingus on Twitter

Why not double stack on top of the seats and strap it down.

I have heard 17 tons weight, what is max. weight they could have carried?

Qprmeath

easypazz wrote: »

Why not double stack on top of the seats and strap it down.

I have heard 17 tons weight, what is max. weight they could have carried?

Huge variation on weights. One load as little as 4 tonnes, another was 20 tonnes depending on products carried. No load has been higher than the seats. Would be impossible to secure if it was.

GM228

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/88461-iag-looks-to-retire-bas-b747s-iberias-a340s?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=linkedin

A330-200s I would assume:-

Walsh added that "a couple" of A330s operated by Aer Lingus (EI, Dublin Int'l) could also be permanently retired. The Irish carrier operates four A330-200s (17.8 years old on average) and eleven A330-300s (6.5). It owns three -200s and seven -300s, and leases one -200 from Castlelake, two -300s from Nomura Babcock & Brown, and one -300 each from AerCap and Castlelake.

BA I would assume:-

Finally, the group could also consider retiring around 20 narrowbody aircraft. Walsh did not specify from which carrier they would potentially come.

GM228

GM228 wrote: »

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/88461-iag-looks-to-retire-bas-b747s-iberias-a340s?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=linkedin

A330-200s I would assume:-



BA I would assume:-

BA had previously mentioned considering A319 retirements. I suspect they will now retire all of them. Previously discussed on here their particularly poor economics.

john boye

GM228 wrote: »

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/88461-iag-looks-to-retire-bas-b747s-iberias-a340s?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=linkedin

A330-200s I would assume:-



BA I would assume:-

Iberia A340s would be in line too I'd imagine.

john boye

john boye wrote: »

Iberia A340s would be in line too I'd imagine.

They are mentioned in that article.

sherology

I wonder will EI cancel (somehow via ALC - assume as they're so late there may be an exit clause) the remaining LRs and hold out for the more capable 'IAG' ordered XLRs? They can then rebuild their TATL routes on their a330-300s (perhaps just the owned ones) and the LRs until 2023.

flange888

The LR's are owned by Air Lease Corporation...they wouldn't be happy with people thinking they are GECAS airframes! God only knows what they will do but I suspect they will stick with the LR order.

sherology

flange888 wrote: »

The LR's are owned by Air Lease Corporation...they wouldn't be happy with people thinking they are GECAS airframes! God only knows what they will do but I suspect they will stick with the LR order.

Corrected

goingnowhere

EI9024 to PEK took off using 16 this evening

murphaph

Dies anyone know if EI have completely suspended DUB-TXL now? They were flying an augmented schedule every second day but now it seems nothing.

JCX BXC

goingnowhere wrote: »

EI9024 to PEK took off using 16 this evening

Presumably as good as empty other than fuel.

mikel97

murphaph wrote: »

Dies anyone know if EI have completely suspended DUB-TXL now? They were flying an augmented schedule every second day but now it seems nothing.

Ja. For now. I came on last one. 6 people

EchoIndia

goingnowhere wrote: »

EI9024 to PEK took off using 16 this evening

They have operated with commercial loads off 16 to the US West Coast, so empty to PEK should be no issue, especially in 20-30kt winds.

Jamie2k9

Looks like next round of cuts for May starting to be made official.

Shn99

Anyone think EI will allow passengers to get vouchers for travel in June? Have flights booked but no intention of travelling at all.

Jamie2k9

Shn99 wrote: »

Anyone think EI will allow passengers to get vouchers for travel in June? Have flights booked but no intention of travelling at all.

They will likely extend change deadlines if for example Spain doesn't re-open for business etc.

You will unlikely get a voucher unless they cannot operate the flight.

BonnieSituation

Shn99 wrote: »

Anyone think EI will allow passengers to get vouchers for travel in June? Have flights booked but no intention of travelling at all.

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

They will likely extend change deadlines if for example Spain doesn't re-open for business etc.

You will unlikely get a voucher unless they cannot operate the flight.

I'm in a similar boat. Just waiting it out and hoping they extend the voucher deadline.

Tenger

Doubt they have a clue what the situation will be in June.
2 months from the start of the shutdown across Europe is mid May.
Remains to be seen if 2 months is long enough.

murphaph

mikel97 wrote: »

Ja. For now. I came on last one. 6 people

Thanks for that. EI are being pretty sneaky. The flight is obviously going to be cancelled tomorrow but they still haven't sent me an email to this effect. They would quite happily let me drag my whole family to the airport to find out it isn't going.

BonnieSituation

murphaph wrote: »

Thanks for that. EI are being pretty sneaky. The flight is obviously going to be cancelled tomorrow but they still haven't sent me an email to this effect. They would quite happily let me drag my whole family to the airport to find out it isn't going.

That's how I am feeling about my flight to Glasgow on Friday week. And it's what happened to me about a flight to AMS on Friday March 13th when this all kicked off.

But still I wait to send off for the inevitable refund that will ensue.

Captain_Crash

murphaph wrote: »

Thanks for that. EI are being pretty sneaky. The flight is obviously going to be cancelled tomorrow but they still haven't sent me an email to this effect. They would quite happily let me drag my whole family to the airport to find out it isn't going.

A flight to EDI had pushed back in DUB before going back onto stand and eventually being cancelled, they had waited until check in for the return flight closed in EDI (no one had checked in for either flight out or back, but cancellation after check in closes generally means no refunds)