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

Would it not stand to reason that replacing like with like would work? Or possibly a mixture of 320/319?

List prices put the 320 neo family from $90-110m each.

Would there be an argument for a mixed fleet of 319/320 to complement the 321's and maybe even as a dark horse, the A220 for thinner routes like the UK.

I think the A319 has had its day, it’s operating costs are so similar to the A320 you may as well stick with the larger model. The order book has dried up in recent years and with the A220 around I doubt we’ll ever see a revival.

The A220 must be of some interest to Aer Lingus, the arguments for and against a new regional sub fleet has been ongoing for a few years now but maybe the post-pandemic recovery will present an opportunity for this to be seriously considered?

The densification of the A320, either through reconfiguring the current fleet or taking A320neos, is inevitable. The current 174 layout is going to look less and less competitive as Ryanair introduces 197 seat 737MAXs and the traditional European flag carriers opt for the 180 layout on the A320neo, like Lufthansa has done. Once this happens, there will be a widened gap between the ATR and the A320, potentially allowing a regional jet to squeeze in at the lower end allowing Aer Lingus to compete head on with the network carriers of Europe (LH, LX, KL) on frequency and stay competitive with Ryanair on the guaranteed bulk routes.

The biggest hurdle will be the costs of a mixed fleet again, would it be worth it? Oh and convincing IAG it’s worth the investment in the first place!

Was 4 on LGW any time I used it, but that was also in the (dying) days of the LGW crew base so it could have been a local agreement.

A319 in EI config was 3 cabin crew minimum, certainly was 3 when I travelled.

The A321 NEO on European operations in morning will add capacity and add a product no other carrier can compete with

Operating cost wise A220 is the best option, A319 costs are the same as A320 basically, the opposite side is the costs to run A321 are marginally more than the A320

EI-LAX (EIN990) in the air now, Shannon to Knock. Last flight at 22 years old.

Does anybody think that there could be an exhibition or museum that could house LAX?

I'm thinking of what BA did to it's three retro 747-400s, and also the Qantas Museum in Longreach which houses a plethora of vintage propliner and jet aircraft including an airworthy Lockheed L-1049 Constellation, a 707-138B (QF's first 707 and indeed it's first jet), a 747-238B and QF's first 747-438 VH-OJA. John Travolta's 707-138B is also set to join the museum next year.

Or would any potential museums such as the Smithsonian take her?

Such a sad end to LAX's illustrious career..

I'm thankful I flew on her a few times to L.A, but I always have an affinity for her.

The very first -200 for EI and it paved the way for EI to launch a highly successful route to LAX, in that a second -200 was acquired a year later (2000) to operate weekly flights to LAX.

No, EWR (Newark) came after LAX.

There is still EI-FNJ 😝

-LAX will live on supplying parts to other 330's and obviously is more valuable broken up than trying to sell it to someone.

Others would have a lot more knowledge than me but I thought there would have been a market for a dedicated cargo aircraft.

Can’t believe EI don’t have at least one dedicated cargo craft

Emerald will probably lease same or similar ATRs, rehire Stobarts crew and likely start ops earlier with Aer Lingus helping them out by freezing the franchise fee. EI mainline will phase out operating the former Stobart routes until Emerald are ready.

New EIR franchise launched in time for aviation to pick up and work can restart on making Dublin a Transatlantic hub.

Anyone know why there’s two flights to Boston flights departing within a few minutes of each other today? EI133 was quickly followed by EI137, both operated by A321LR aircraft.

Cargo market was saturated pre-covid, and will be again when all the pax widebodies are back in service.

Crew training, 2 captains on the 133.