Ryanair attacks Aer Lingus’ staff compensation increases, will appeal the Competition Commission’s preliminary decision to divest its 29.4% share of Aer Lingus
Ryanair (Dublin) is appealing the UK’s Competition Commission’s preliminary decision to force the carrier to divest its 29.4 percent share of rival Aer Lingus (Dublin). The ultra low cost carrier could drag out the decision for at least two years appealing the decision according to The Independent. The Competition Commission ruled in its preliminary ruling that Ryanair exerts “material influence” over Aer Lingus due to this minority share.
The airline issued this fiery statement (as it normally does) in response:
Ryanair on May 30 criticized the UK Competition Commission’s (CC’s) provisional decision that Ryanair, through its 6½ year old minority (29.8%) shareholding in Aer Lingus, “has influence’ over Aer Lingus and that this “could reduce competition”. This unfounded claim is disproven by the European Commission’s recent (February 2013) ruling that competition between Ryanair and Aer Lingus has “intensified” since 2007.
Under EU law, the UK CC has a duty of “sincere cooperation” with the EU, and cannot contradict or reach different conclusions to the European Commission’s findings. Inexplicably, this provisional decision by the CC infringes this duty of sincere co-operation by ignoring the recent findings of the European Commission that:
“Aer Lingus and Ryanair compete on a greater number of routes compared to the 2007 Decision” and “there is significant competitive interaction between the Parties” and “evidence collected by the Commission in the market investigation has also confirmed that the competitive relationship between Ryanair and Aer Lingus has at least persisted, if not increased, since 2007”.
Should the CC maintain this untenable position in its final decision (due in July), Ryanair will appeal that decision to the UK Competition Appeals Tribunal and thereafter, if necessary, to the Court of Appeal. Until the outcome of this UK appeal, and the completion of Ryanair’s appeal against the European Commission’s February 2013 prohibition decision, the CC cannot impose any remedies, however unlawful, on Ryanair.
Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said:
“This provisional decision by the UK CC is bizarre and manifestly wrong. The CC’s finding that Ryanair’s shareholding obstructs Aer Lingus’ ability to attract other airlines was disproved by Etihad’s purchase of a 3% stake and the evidence submitted by other large EU airlines, which confirmed that Ryanair’s shareholding was not a barrier to other airlines acquiring a stake in Aer Lingus.
In February 2013 the European Commission found that competition between Ryanair and Aer Lingus has “intensified” since 2007. A decision by the Competition Commission that Ryanair’s 29.8% stake in Aer Lingus may lead to a lessening of competition will clearly breach the EU Treaty duty of sincere cooperation between the EU and the UK. Ryanair therefore calls on the Competition Commission to abide by this overriding legal principle and end this bogus and baseless enquiry into a 6½ year old minority shareholding between two Irish airlines.
While Ryanair is one of the UK’s largest airlines, Aer Lingus has a tiny presence in the UK, serving just 6 routes to the Republic of Ireland, a traffic base that has declined over the past 3 years and now accounts for less than 1% of all UK air traffic. This case, involving two Irish airlines where one (Aer Lingus) accounts for less than 1% of the UK’s total air traffic, is yet another enormous waste of UK taxpayer resources on a case which has little if any impact on UK consumers.
Read the full report by The Independent: CLICK HERE
Meanwhile to re-emphasize it does not have much control over Aer Lingus, Ryanair issued this scathing statement on recent Aer Lingus employee compensation increases:
Ryanair, a 6½ year old minority shareholder in Aer Lingus on May 31 condemned the spineless Board and Management of Aer Lingus which has accepted the latest crazy Irish Labour Court recommendation that another €170m to €200m of shareholder funds be squandered to compensate Aer Lingus staff for a pension deficit which Aer Lingus has repeatedly assured shareholders is a defined contribution (‘DC’) pension scheme, and for which Aer Lingus has no further liability. If, as Aer Lingus’ IPO prospectus (and every subsequent annual report) confirmed, neither Aer Lingus nor its shareholders have any liability towards this ‘DC’ pension scheme, then why is yet another €170m to €200m being wasted on yet another pay off for Aer Lingus’ staff.
|
Year
|
Payment
|
Reason
|
|
2006
|
€132m
|
Pension deficit & ESOT contributions
|
|
2008
|
€138m
|
Staff restructuring and PCI payments
|
|
2009
|
€89m
|
Staff restructuring and PCI payments
|
|
2010
|
€55m
|
ESOT debt & leave/redundancy tax payments
|
|
2012
|
€17m
|
Staff restructuring payments
|
|
2013
|
€170m – €200m
|
Pension deficit & employee payments
|
|
Total
|
€600m – €630m
|
Top Copyright Photo: SM Fitzwilliams Collection/AirlinersGallery.com. Ryanair’s Boeing 737-8AS WL EI-EVF (msn 40291) with “Modlin Jest OK! – Modlin is OK!” sub-titles taxies at the Dublin base.
Ryanair: 
Aer Lingus:
Bottom Copyright Photo: SM Fitzwilliams Collection/AirlinersGallery.com. Aer Lingus’ Airbus A319-111 EI-EPT (msn 3054) lands at Dublin.
Aer Lingus to lease three Boeing 757-200s for thin trans-Atlantic routes, 1Q operating loss widens to $59.1 million
Aer Lingus (Dublin) is planning to wet lease three Boeing 757-200s starting in early 2014. The aircraft will be assigned to thin trans-Atlantic routes. The company believes there is growth potential on these new routes because of its new jetBlue Airways (New York) relationship.
Read the full report from Bloomberg: CLICK HERE
On the financial side, the company will seek to reduce its staff by 100 positions by the end of the year after its first quarter operating loss widened to $59.1 million.
Copyright Photo: SM Fitzwilliams Collection. The Boeing 757s will supplement the Airbus A330 fleet. A330-302 EI-EDY (msn 1025) prepares to depart from the Dublin hub.
Aer Lingus:
Virgin Atlantic prepares to launch “Little Red” on Sunday
Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) is preparing to launch its new UK feeder service called “Little Red” on Sunday, March 31. The first route will be London (Heathrow)-Manchester. London (Heathrow)-Edinburgh will follow on April 5 and finally London (Heathrow)-Aberdeen will be launched on April 9. The new service will be operated with four Aer Lingus A320s now being painted in the Virgin Atlantic brand.
Virgin Atlantic Careers website: http://careersuk.virgin-atlantic.com/
Copyright Photo: Malcolm Nason. Aer Lingus’ A320-214 EI-DEO (msn 2486) “Queen of the Cobbles” poses for the camera at Shannon on March 28 after the repainting was finished.
Hot New Photos: 
Virgin Atlantic:
JetBlue and Aer Lingus expand their code share relationship
JetBlue Airways (New York) and Aer Lingus (Dublin) have announced a codeshare agreement that expands upon the partnership that has linked the two carriers’ networks at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston’s Logan International Airport since 2008.
Flights operated by JetBlue and featuring the Aer Lingus “EI” flight number will soon be available for sale on the Aer Lingus website, travel agents and online travel agencies, connecting the Irish carrier’s transatlantic flights with 29 JetBlue destinations in North America including Baltimore/Washington, Buffalo, Dallas/Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Orlando, Philadelphia, Rochester, Syracuse, Tampa, and West Palm Beach, subject to receipt of government approval.
Through the JetBlue-Aer Lingus partnership, customers can enjoy the convenience of booking a single ticket that includes flights operated by both carriers, with benefits including one-stop check-in and baggage transfer to dozens of destinations throughout the United States.
The start of the new codeshare arrangement coincides with the move of Aer Lingus’ New York flight operations from Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport into JetBlue’s acclaimed Terminal 5. Aer Lingus customers connecting to one of JetBlue’s many destinations across the U.S. will benefit from same terminal connections, one-stop ticketing and baggage check-in for travel on both airlines, from the U.S. to Europe.
With the move to Terminal 5, scheduled for April 3, 2013, the minimum connection time from European arrivals to US departures will be reduced to just about 60 minutes. Customers travelling to Ireland will enjoy connections as fast as 40 minutes.
Copyright Photo: Dave Campbell. Airbus A320-232 N569JB (msn 2075) in the 10th Anniversary scheme taxies to the runway at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood.
JetBlue Airways: 
Aer Lingus:
European Commission intends to deny the Ryanair takeover of Aer Lingus
Ryanair (Dublin) is planning to appeal if it is denied its goal of acquiring rival Aer Lingus (Dublin). The airline issued the following statement today:
Ryanair was notified this morning (February 12) at a State of Play meeting with the EU Commission, that the EU Commission intends to prohibit Ryanair’s offer for Aer Lingus, despite the fact that Ryanair has met every competition concern raised in the EU’s Statement of Objections and during the review process, including providing the EU – at its request – with irrevocable commitments from not one, but two, upfront buyers to eliminate all competitive overlaps between Ryanair and Aer Lingus. IAG has committed that they would take over divestments of Ryanair’s and Aer Lingus’ entire London-Gatwick operations, and Flybe has committed to take over 43 Aer Lingus UK and European routes.
Ryanair to help establish Flybe Ireland if it is able to acquire Aer Lingus
Ryanair (Dublin) is proposing to sell a new company and transfer Airbus A320 aircraft in order to establish Flybe Ireland (Dublin) as a new Irish competitor if it is able to acquire rival Aer Lingus (Dublin). The European Commission has previously denied the acquisition because of its competitive concerns for the Irish market.
Flybe‘s (Exeter) board has accepted the offer. The details have been announced by Flybe:
THE DEAL
- Flybe has agreed to acquire a new company, Flybe Ireland, from Ryanair for €1 million.
- Prior to its acquisition by Flybe, Ryanair has agreed to transfer to Flybe Ireland:
- 43 routes, all within Europe, many to or from current Flybe destinations;
- The requisite number of slots and licences to operate the routes;
- A minimum of 9 Airbus A320 aircraft;
- The requisite number of flight crew, aircraft engineers, management and facilities to operate the business;
- A cash injection of $135 million (€100 million);
- All forward sales cash and liabilities, estimated at a further circa €50 million in working capital funding.
- Ryanair in consultation with Flybe will undertake to develop a one year business plan to deliver a cost structure that, based on the assumption that the preceding year’s revenue remains the same, would provide €20 million in pre-tax profits in the 12 months following the transfer to Flybe Ireland. In the event that the business plan does not project €20 million in pre-tax profits, there is an agreed adjustment mechanism factored into the €100 million cash contribution referred to above.
FLYBE IRELAND
- Flybe Ireland will:
- Operate from bases in Dublin and Cork.;
- Operate 43 routes to 34 destinations in Europe. Flybe currently operates to circa 50% of those destinations in its Flybe UK business;
- Deploy Flybe’s frequency model on the major city pairs, and its leisure model on the European leisure markets;
- Have the right to use the Aer Lingus brand for up to three years post the transaction. This will allow it to develop its own brand position in Ireland during a realistic transition period.
COMMITMENTS MADE BY FLYBE TO RYANAIR AS PART OF THE EC REMEDY PACKAGE
- Flybe Ireland will be committed to operating an agreed frequency on routes, with the ability to terminate a certain number of routes per year whilst maintaining stable capacity in the Irish market.
- If Flybe Ireland exceeds the route termination threshold, it will pay a contractual penalty.
THE EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Outlined below is the expected timetable:
- March 2013
- On 6 March 2013, EC is scheduled to give a decision on the competition aspects of Ryanair’s bid for Aer Lingus.
- If the EC gives the agreement for Ryanair’s bid for Aer Lingus to proceed, Ryanair may then re-activate its bid with a view to gaining sufficient acceptances from Aer Lingus shareholders.
- May 2013
- If the Ryanair bid is reactivated and is successful, Flybe would expect the deal to close on or around mid May.
- Summer 2013:
- If the Ryanair bid for Aer Lingus has been successful, Flybe will undertake due diligence on the new entity.
- It is expected that the Class 1 Circular will be completed and posted to Shareholders in August 2013, followed by an EGM for shareholders to vote.
- October 2013:
- The effective date of the transaction is envisaged to be October 2013 with Flybe Ireland commencing operations under Flybe’s ownership at the beginning of the 2013/14 IATA winter season.
The Board of Flybe believes that the transaction offers the following benefits to its shareholders:
- As stated at IPO, the Group’s strategy is to diversify away from its reliance upon UK revenue. This opportunity is a good mixture of diversification, and overlap with our existing route network, to fulfil this goal.
- Flybe has existing presence and network points at circa 50% of the 34 destinations in the 43 route package.
- Flybe Ireland will be a well-capitalised company, with circa €150m of cash on the balance sheet, including the one off capitalisation by Ryanair, and the transfer of the forward sales cash within Aer Lingus at the time of the transaction.
- Flybe Ireland will increase Flybe’s ability to drive further economies of scale from fleet basing, suppliers and airports, as part of this transaction.
- Flybe has proven expertise in the acquisition and turnaround of acquired entities:
- In March 2007, Flybe acquired British Airways’ UK regional airline, BA Connect, a business losing £40m per year at acquisition. The business was fully integrated into Flybe within 12 months, and made profits by the end of its first year of ownership. At the time of its acquisition the business had 39 aircraft, 1,700 staff and £350m of revenue.
Ryanair’s motivation for this deal and transaction is to remove the last competitive concerns in the Irish market by the European Commission. Will it work?
Ryanair:
Flybe:
Aer Lingus Group announces its preliminary financial results for 2012
Aer Lingus Group plc (Aer Lingus) (Dublin) has announced its unaudited preliminary results for the full year ending on December 31, 2012. The company reported:
- Operating profit, before exceptional items, of $92.9 million (€69.1 million) (up from $65.9 million – €49.1 million in 2011), up 40.7% with strong operating margin of 5.0% (2011: 3.8%).
- - Total revenue up 8.2% with capacity growth of 0.5%.
- - Strong balance sheet; total cash up 1.5% to $1.2 billion – €908.5 million as at December 31, 2012. Debt down 7.9% to $714.6 million – €531.6 million.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: SM Fitzwilliams Collection. Set against stormy skies, Airbus A330-202 EI-DAA (msn 397) arrives back at the Dublin base and hub.
Aer Lingus:
The Irish government opposes the latest takeover bid of Aer Lingus by Ryanair
The Republic of Ireland, which owns 25 percent of Aer Lingus (Dublin), has publicly expressed its opposition to the takeover of Aer Lingus by rival Ryanair (Dublin). The European Commission will be the final judge on whether Ryanair can continue to acquire additional shares of Aer Lingus for a possible controlling interest. Ryanair currently controls 30 percent of Aer Lingus stock.
Read the full report from Reuters: CLICK HERE
Ryanair issued the following “no comment statement”:
Ryanair said it has no comment to make on the Minister Varadkar’s statement. Since the Government owns just 25% of Aer Lingus, it has no power to block Ryanair’s offer, which can still be successfully completed if we acquire a shareholding of 50% or more (Ryanair currently owns 30%).
Ryanair criticizes Brussels Airlines, the Belgian government, Lufthansa and Aer Lingus, announces a new Eindhoven base
Ryanair (Dublin) has publicly stated it will not move to Brussels (Zaventem) should Brussels Airlines (Brussels) fail due to its current financial losses. The airline is committed to Charleroi near Brussels. The company issued the following statement:
Ryanair rejected recent speculation emanating from the Belgian Government and/or Brussels Airlines that there was some prospect that Ryanair would move to Brussels Zaventem when Brussels Airlines disappears due to its catastrophic losses. Ryanair has rejected this idle speculation and confirmed its commitment to its base at Brussels Charleroi, where Ryanair has operated for 15 years, and has built a growing and successful partnership with Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
- 1 based aircraft
- 31 routes
- 4 new routes to/from Agadir, Bordeaux, Chania and Fez
- Warsaw Modlin extended for summer season
- Increased frequencies to/from Alicante, Faro, Ibiza, Malaga, Marrakech and Pisa
- 238 weekly flights (up 8%)
- 1.7 million pax p.a (up 7%)
- 1,700 jobs at Eindhoven Airport
Ryanair is still optimistic about its proposed takeover of Aer Lingus after the EC ruling
Ryanair (Dublin) is still optimistic about final European Commission approval of its proposed takeover of rival Aer Lingus (Dublin). The European Commission has raised concerns about competition in Ireland despite Ryanair’s offer to surrender European routes from Ireland to allow for other carriers to add Irish service.
Ryanair issued the following statement:
Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost airline, confirmed on November 14 that its discussions continue with the European Commission about its radical package of remedies designed to address the Commission’s competition concerns in relation to Ryanair’s June 19 offer for Aer Lingus. This comprehensive remedies package includes a number of new airline bases in Dublin, new entrant competitors on over 40 routes to/from Dublin, Cork and Shannon, as well as specific competition solutions that guarantee increased price competition on routes to and from Ireland.
Following receipt of the Commission’s statement of objections last evening (November 13), a standard procedural step in Phase II EU merger reviews, Ryanair expects that the Commission will shortly market test this transformational remedies package, and remains confident that its offer for Aer Lingus will receive competition clearance following any fair assessment by the Commission. A detailed process of engagement with the EU Commission is now underway.
Ryanair’s offer for Aer Lingus is being reviewed while dramatic changes take place across the EU airline industry, including: (1) a large restructuring of Iberia with 4,500 job losses; (2) the takeover of Vueling by IAG, combining the Number 2 and Number 3 airlines in Spain; (3) a major restructuring of SAS including 6,000 job losses and state backed loan guarantees; and (4) the planned merger of Aegean and Olympic, the Number 1 and Number 2 airlines in Greece.
It is against this backdrop that Ryanair is proposing a merger that provides secure jobs, growth opportunities and financial benefits for all shareholders in a larger Ireland based EU carrier.
Read the local media analysis of this proposed merger from The Irish Times: CLICK HERE
Top Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Boeing 737-8AS EI-DCL (msn 33806) in the Dreamliner livery lands at London (Luton).
Ryanair: 
Aer Lingus:
Bottom Copyright Photo: SM Fitzwilliams Collection. Airbus A320-214 EI-DEJ (msn 2364) taxies at the Dublin base.
Ryanair continues its push for Aer Lingus by asking at least six airlines to fly from Ireland
Ryanair (Dublin) is making a new push to obtain a controlling interest in rival Aer Lingus (Dublin). According to this report by the Financial Times, Ryanair has approached at least six international airlines to consider starting long-range international service to and from Dublin to increase competition. If Ryanair is able to take control of Aer Lingus (so far Aer Lingus is fighting off this hostile attempt), Ryanair would need regulatory approval to complete the transaction which could lead to a possible future merger. Regulatory concerns would be concentrated around the lack of competition from DUB if Ryanair is successful, hence the new push for new competition.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
In other news, Ryanair is adding new service to Tenerife Norte from both Barcelona and Madrid starting on November 7, 2012.
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton. Boeing 737-8AS EI-DLK (msn 33592) approaches Ryanair’s largest hub at Stansted Airport near London.
Ryanair Slide Show: 
Aer Lingus has a pre-tax first half loss of $30.1 million
Aer Lingus (Dublin) has reported a first half pre-tax loss of $30.1 million.
Read the full analysis from the Irish Examiner: CLICK HERE
Read the full report from the airline: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Dave Glendinning. Airbus A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634) painted in the 1963 retrojet livery taxies at London (Heathrow).
Aer Lingus: 
Aer Lingus rejects the hostile takeover bid by rival Ryanair
Aer Lingus‘ (Dublin) board of directors today rejected a takeover bid by rival Ryanair (Dublin). Ryanair yesterday launched a new bid to take control of the Irish international flag carrier. The board is recommending that all stockholders take no action on any proposals by Ryanair. Ryanair currently controls 29.82 percent of the Aer Lingus stock and is seeking to acquire a controlling share.
Read the full report from Finfacts Ireland: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Paul Doyle.
Aer Lingus: 
Aer Lingus wants to fly domestic routes in the United Kingdom
Aer Lingus (Dublin) is planning to launch a domestic route in the United Kingdom between London (Heathrow) and Edinburgh according to the Irish Independent. The route is up for grabs after British Airways (London) took over bmi (East Midlands) and was forced to give up the appropriate LHR slots as ordered by the European Commission. Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) has also expressed an interest in serving the UK domestic route. The projected expansion comes after Ryanair (Dublin), which owns 29.8 percent of the Aer Lingus stock, launched its hostile bid to take control of the Irish carrier.
Read the full report from the Irish Independent: CLICK HERE
In other news, Aer Lingus today announced its schedule for winter 2012 along with the addition of six new routes and increased frequencies.
Dublin to Verona and Stockholm and Cork to Brussels are set to continue right throughout the winter, owing to their continued popularity. Other exciting destinations on offer include Copenhagen, Bordeaux and Venice.
Frequencies will be increased on a further eight popular routes such as Berlin, Vienna and Amsterdam. There will also be extra flights to Lanzarote and Tenerife which will be music to the ears of those seeking out a winter sunshine holiday in the Canary Islands.
Copyright Photo: Sebastian Fernandez.
Aer Lingus: 
Ryanair makes a new bid to take control of Aer Lingus
Ryanair (Dublin) has made another attempt to acquire a controlling share of rival Aer Lingus (Dublin). The ultra low-fare carrier which already owns slightly under 30 percent of the current Aer Lingus stock is offering a premium price of 1.30 euros a share, a 38 percent premium according to this report by Reuters. If Ryanair is successful in becoming the majority owner, the acquisition of the stock would still be subject to approval by the European Commission which in 2007 blocked a previous attempt by Ryanair due to concerns about the lack in competition in the Irish market if a transaction was approved.
Meanwhile Aer Lingus has told its shareholders to do nothing and to hold on to their shares. Will a quick profit tempt many stockholders?
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Top Copyright Photo: Paul Bannwarth.
Ryanair: 
Aer Lingus: 
Bottom Copyright Photo: Jay Selman.
Aer Lingus’ workers at Shannon threaten a strike over a potential move to Dublin
Aer Lingus (Dublin) is facing a possible strike by maintenance workers at a Shannon hangar over a potential consolidation move to Dublin. The 55 workers are protesting the move.
Read the full story from the Irish Examiner: CLICK HERE
In other news, Ryanair’s (Dublin) 30 percent share in Aer Lingus is being investigated by a British examiner over the fear the ownership could lead to higher ticket prices (so far the acquisition has not changed anything in Ireland or the UK).
Read the full report from the Irish Times: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough.
Aer Lingus: 
Aer Lingus posts a 38% improvement in the first quarter: reduces loss to $47.2 million
Aer Lingus Group (Aer Lingus) (Dublin) reduced its first quarter loss by 38 percent to $47.2 million.
Highlights of the quarter according to the Irish carrier:
- - Strong Q1 performance with revenues & operating loss both better than prior yr.
- - Q1 2012 operating loss of €36.1 million improved by 32.8% on Q1 2011.
- - Quarterly result driven primarily by strong revenue performance; yield per passenger up 8.4%; passenger numbers increased by 6.6%.
- - Particularly strong long haul performance with Q1 passenger volumes and yield up 12.1% and 11.2%, respectively, compared to prior year.
- - Retail revenue per passenger increased by 8.5% in the first quarter.
Read the analysis by the Irish Times: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Etihad Airways acquires a 2.987% share in Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus (Dublin) has a new partner. Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), still on its spending spree, has acquired a 2.987 percent share of the Irish flag carrier. Aer Lingus has issued the following statement:
“Aer Lingus Group plc is aware of speculation that Etihad Airways has acquired a shareholding in the Group. Aer Lingus confirms that Etihad has acquired a holding of 2.987% of the Group’s issued share capital. Etihad has stated to Aer Lingus that it does not intend to increase this stake, pending the outcome of the discussions referred to below.
Aer Lingus and Etihad are engaged in discussions which to date have focused on reciprocal code-share opportunities. Future discussions may explore additional commercial and cost opportunities to develop a closer working relationship in areas such as joint procurement. Aer Lingus views these discussions as a natural progression of its successful Greenfield cost reduction program. There can be no certainty as to the outcome of these discussions.”
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Etihad Airways Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Aer Arann to operate Aer Lingus Regional flights from Dublin to Southend
Aer Arann (Aer Lingus) (Dublin) will launch three daily Aer Lingus Regional roundtrips between the Dublin hub and Southend (near London) in May for Aer Lingus.
Copyright Photo: Keith Burton.
Aer Lingus’ profits were up in 2011 but warns about the affects of higher fuel costs for 2012
Aer Lingus (Dublin) reported net profit for 2011 rose to $95.6 million. The airline expects a profitable 2012 but warned against the affects of higher fuel costs.
Read the full report from the WSJ: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Paul Denton.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Aer Arann paints its first ATR 42 in the Aer Lingus Regional colors
Aer Lingus Regional-Aer Arann ATR 42-300 EI-CBK (msn 199) SNN (Malcolm Nason) (1st ATR 72), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Arann (Dublin) has painted its first ATR 42 in the colors of Aer Lingus Regional. On January 18, 2012 this Aer Arann (Dublin) ATR 42-300 registered as EI-CBK (msn 199) was rolled out at Shannon in full Aer Lingus Regional colors after repainting by Eirtech Aviation. Named “St. Fintain”, EI-CBK is the first Aer Arann ATR 42 to be painted in Aer Lingus Regional colors.
In February 2010 Aer Lingus announced it was entering into a joint venture with Aer Arann to establish Aer Lingus Regional, which would be operated by Aer Arann with a portion of the profits going to Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus took no equity stake in Aer Arann but the deal involved Aer Lingus bulk-buying seats on Aer Arann services. The move allowed Aer Lingus to expand its operations without the need for additional aircraft plus serve airports that cannot handle the Aer Lingus fleet. The agreement covers all former Aer Arann flights from Cork as well as new and existing Aer Lingus flights from Dublin including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Doncaster.
Aer Lingus Regional commenced scheduled operations on March 28, 2010.
Copyright Photo: Malcolm Nason.
Aer Lingus to start new routes to Stockholm and Verona
Aer Lingus-Irish International Airbus A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634) DUB (Paul Doyle), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) will launch a new route from Dublin to Stockholm (Arlanda) (four times a week) starting on March 25, 2012.
Additionally the airline will also launch Dublin-Verona twice-weekly flights on the same date.
Copyright Photo: Paul Doyle.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Aer Lingus posts a strong third quarter
Aer Lingus Airbus A319-111 EI-EPR (msn 3169) DUB (Paul Doyle) (1st A319), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) posted an operating profit of $130 million in the third quarter. This represents an increase of 19 percent.
Read the full story from The Irish Times: CLICK HERE
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Paul Doyle.
European Routes from Dublin:
Ireland considers selling its 25% share in Aer Lingus, Ryanair promises not to bid
Aer Lingus-Irish International Airbus A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634) BRU (Karl Cornil) (retrojet), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) is partially owned by the government of Ireland as a “strategic asset”. The government is now considering selling its 25 percent share in the flag carrier.
According to this report by Reuters, Ryanair stated it would not bid for the 25 percent stake if the government indicated that such an offer would be unwelcome.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Ryanair Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Karl Cornil. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Aer Lingus posts a first half net loss of $19 million
Aer Lingus-Irish International Airbus A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634) DUB (Paul Doyle), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) posted a net loss of $19 million. However the company remains optimistic about the second half due to increased bookings.
Read the full report from Reuters: CLICK HERE
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Paul Doyle. Please click on the photo for information about this logojet.
Aer Lingus announces 10 new routes for Winter 2011/2012
Aer Lingus Airbus A321-211 EI-CPF (msn 991) LHR (Roy Lock), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) has announced 10 new routes as part of its winter schedule for 2011/2012 including an exciting route from Cork to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
The new service will operate once weekly, commencing on Sunday October 30, 2011. This route expands on the extensive choice already on offer to Aer Lingus customers travelling to the Canary Islands, with scheduled services also available from Ireland to Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura.
This winter, Aer Lingus will introduce three weekly flights from Cork to Barcelona and a twice weekly service from Cork to Rome.
The Aer Lingus network will be extended to include twice weekly services from Belfast to both Rome and Alicante.
The extensive route network from Dublin will now include four weekly flights to Milan Malpensa throughout the winter schedule – good news for ski and snowboarding enthusiasts seeking out the snow this winter.
The recently launched service to Stuttgart will also be extended this winter with four weekly flights from Dublin.
Aer Lingus Regional will continue to provide a wide range of services to the UK, with services from Dublin to Aberdeen and Bristol being extended into the winter months. Flights from Shannon to the increasingly popular city-break destination of Edinburgh will also be extended to operate throughout the winter.
Copyright Photo: Roy Lock.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Aer Lingus takes delivery of its first Airbus A319
Aer Lingus Airbus A319-111 EI-EPR (msn 3169) DUB (Paul Doyle) (1st A319), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) today (July 1) accepted its first Airbus A319. Formerly operated by Iberia, A319-111 EI-EPR (msn 3169) arrived at the DUB base.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Paul Doyle. Please click on the photo for the full story.
Aer Lingus to acquire four Airbus A319s from Iberia
Aer Lingus (Dublin) is getting ready to acquire four Airbus A319s from Iberia. The first (EC-KEV) is being painted into EI colors at Madrid.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Happy 75th Anniversary Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus-Irish International Airbus A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634) DUB (Paul Doyle), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.Aer Lingus (Dublin) formally unveiled its Airbus A320 1963 retrojet yesterday (June 9).
The pictured A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634), named “St Coleman”, was painted especially for the anniversary celebrations and was officially unveiled yesterday at a ceremony at the iconic, Old Central Terminal Building Dublin Airport – designed by the late Desmond FitzGerald.
Cabin crew modelled vintage uniforms, from each decade beginning 1945 through to the current Aer Lingus uniform by acclaimed designer, Louise Kennedy.
Speaking at the event, Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller said: “2011 is a very special year for Aer Lingus as it marks the airline’s 75th anniversary. Since the early days of 1936, Aer Lingus has grown to become a flag carrier with a worldwide reputation for our friendly staff, our high quality of service, value for money and innovation. Throughout the 75 years we have carried out our mission of connecting Ireland with the world, transporting millions of customers annually. We look forward to continuing to fly the shamrock for the next 75 years.”
On May 27th 1936 Aer Lingus launched its first ever flight between Baldonnel and Bristol, with five passengers, on a six-seater De Havilland 84 Dragon named Iolar, – meaning ‘eagle’ in Irish. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the sister aircraft of the Iolar has undergone a restoration project, meaning it is once again airworthy and will partake at celebratory events throughout the year.
Copyright Photo Below: Aer Lingus:
In its inaugural year Aer Lingus operated three routes, carrying 892 passengers and employed a total of 12 staff. In 2010, its 75th year of service, the airline carried 9.4 million passengers, flying to over 100 routes – to 75 destinations in 22 countries and providing employment to almost 4,000 staff.
Aer Lingus was founded by the Irish Government in April 1936 to provide air services to/from Ireland. The first flight, from Dublin to Bristol, took place on May 27th 1936. On October 2nd 2006, Aer Lingus entered a new phase in its history with the airline’s floatation on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges, becoming a publicly quoted company and realising euro 400 million in equity for the airline’s future growth.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Top Copyright Photo: Paul Doyle. Please click on the photo for additional information.
Logo:
Aer Lingus’ pilots call off their strike, the airline is running a full schedule
Aer Lingus Airbus A330-302 EI-EDY (msn 1025) JFK (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) today is running a full schedule.
The airline announced after an “extensive engagement” between the airline, the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association and Impact unions over the weekend, the immediate threat of industrial action has been removed according to this report by the Irish Times.
Read the full story: CLICK HERE
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for additional aircraft information.
Aer Lingus in talks to advert another strike
Aer Lingus Airbus A320-214 EI-DEM (msn 2411) BCN (Sebastian Fernandez), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) today (June 1) went to the Labour Relations Commission in an attempt to resolve a simmering issue with pilots over rostering arrangements.
This move follows a move by the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) to notify the airline of its intention to begin industrial (Strike) action next Tuesday (June 7).
Read the full story for Herald.ie: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Sebastian Fernandez.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Aer Lingus’ CEO warns of further cost cutting
Aer Lingus-Irish International Airbus A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634) DUB (Paul Doyle), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus’ (Dublin) CEO Christoph Mueller has warned of further cuts. The flag carrier posted a first quarter loss of $79 million.
Read the full story from the Independent.ie: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Paul Doyle. Please click on the photo for the full story of this retrojet.
Aer Lingus takes delivery of its new retrojet
Aer Lingus-Irish International Airbus A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634) TLS (retrojet now delivered), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) yesterday took delivery of its new retrojet.
Copyright Photo: Please click on the photo for full details.
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Aer Lingus’ new retrojet is now flying, getting ready for delivery
Aer Lingus (Dublin) will soon accept brand new Airbus A320-214 EI-DVM (msn 4634). The new jetliner is painted in the original livery with joint Aer Lingus-Irish International titles and is named “St. Colman”. The aircraft will help Aer Lingus celebrate its 75th Anniversary in May.
The name Aer Lingus is an anglicization of the Irish form Aer Loingeas, which means Air Fleet. The name was proposed by Richard F O’Connor, who was a County Cork surveyor, as well as an aviation enthusiast. Aer Lingus was originally pronounced “air ling-us” (as the Irish Aer Loingeas is pronounced) and only later did the pronunciation change to the current “air ling-gus”.
On May 27, 1936, five days after being registered as an airline, Aer Lingus flew its first flight between Baldonnel Airfield in Dublin and Whitchurch in Bristol, England, using a six-seat de Havilland DH-84 Dragon with the registration of EI-ABI) and named Iolar (Eagle).
The famous Shamrock logo was introduced in 1939.
On February 26, 1947 Aerlinte Eireann Teoranta (Irish International Airlines) was formed to operate long-haul international routes. The name Aer Lingus – Irish International was adopted by both companies starting on January 1, 1960.
Copyright Photo: Guillaume Besnard. Wearing the test registration, F-WWDV arrives back at Toulouse on March 16. It will become EI-DVM.
Aer Lingus to introduce a retrojet in April
Aer Lingus (Dublin) is planning to introduce a retrojet. Brand new Airbus A320-214 F-WWDV (msn 4634) will be delivered as EI-DVM in April. The airliner will be painted in a retrojet color scheme. The company introduced the Shamrock logo in 1939.
Copyright Photo: via Paul Denton.
Aer Lingus soars to a $64 million profit in 2010
Aer Lingus Airbus A320-214 EI-EDS (msn 3755) GVA (Paul Denton), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) produced a $64 million profit in 2010 but is warning higher fuel costs will affect results in 2011.
Read the full story in the Belfast Telegraph: CLICK HERE
Aer Lingus Slide Show: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. Please click on photo for additional aircraft details.
Aer Lingus European Route Map from Dublin:
Aer Lingus settles with its cabin crews, gets more hours, improves duty rosters
Aer Lingus Airbus A320-214 EI-DEM (msn 2411) BCN (Sebastian Fernandez), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) has settled the on-going dispute with its cabin crews concerning duty rosters. The compromise deal will increase the amount of duty flying hours to 850 hours per year. The airline will also introduce changes to its rosters to make them more family friendly and provide for improved quality of life.
Read the full story from the Irish Times:
Copyright Photo: Sebastian Fernandez. Please click on the photo for the aircraft details.
Aer Lingus cancels 14 flights due to a dispute with its FAs
Aer Lingus Airbus A330-202 EI-DAA (msn 397) IAD (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) cancelled 14 flights today due to an on-going dispute with its cabin crew over the introduction of its controversial new rosters.
Read the full story from the IrishTimes.com:
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for aircraft information.
Aer Lingus’ A321 EI-CPC heads for a new career with Ural Airlines
Aer Lingus (Dublin) has retired its Airbus A321-211 EI-CPC (msn 815). Leased from ILFC, EI-CPC has served the Irish carrier since May 8, 1998 when it was delivered new.
Copyright Photo: Colin Keogh. EI-CPC departs from Dublin on December 28 bound for its new career with Ural Airlines (Yekaterinburg, Russia).
Aer Lingus’ 3Q operating profit increases 35% to $111 million
Aer Lingus Airbus A330-202 EI-LAX (msn 269) IAD (Brian McDonough), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) reported its operating profit increased by 35 percent to $111 million for the third quarter ending on September 30, 2010.
Read the full report from the IrishTimes.com:
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Please click on the photo for additional details.
Aer Lingus drops the low-cost Ryanair model
Aer Lingus Airbus A320-214 EI-DEP (msn 2542) LHR (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) has dropped the unrealistic low-cost model used by its rival Ryanair (Dublin).
Read the full report from Reuters:
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Airbus A320-214 EI-DEP (msn 2542) arrives from Dublin at Heathrow Airport outside of London.
Aer Lingus narrows first half loss to $23.4 million
Aer Lingus Airbus A321-211 EI-CPF (msn 991) LHR (Roy Lock), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) narrowed its first half net loss to $23.4 million.
Read the full report in the WSJ:
Copyright Photo: Roy Lock. Airbus A321-211 EI-CPF (msn 991) prepares to depart from Heathrow Airport bound for Dublin.
Aer Lingus vows to fly through any strike action on August 16
Aer Lingus Airbus A320-214 EI-DEP (msn 2542) LHR (Antony J. Best), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) has vowed to fly through its cabin crew invoking a “work-to-rule” disruptive action later this month if the union’s members agree.
Read the full report in the Irish Independent:
Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best. Airbus A320-214 EI-DEP (msn 2542) steps down to land at London (Heathrow).
Ireland hopes to reopen its airspace today
Airports in Ireland and parts of Britain were closed again for some hours on Tuesday because of the cloud of volcanic ash drifting south from Iceland that wreaked havoc on European air travel last month according to Reuters.
Flights in much of continental Europe were operating as normal and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said it would allow flights to resume from Irish airports from 1200 GMT after a closure lasting six hours.
Read the full report from Reuters:
Aer Lingus full-year 2009 loss widens
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Aer Lingus photo gallery.
Aer Lingus’ (Dublin) financial fortunes continue to get worse. Its loss for 2009 has grown larger.
Read the full report in the Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/
SB10001424052702304561304575153050323648546.html?mod=WSJ_latestheadlines
And another report:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2dcfccf2-3c5d-11df-b316-00144feabdc0.html
Aer Lingus changes course, seeks new alliance and drops no-frills concept
Please click on the AG icon for a direct link to the Aer Lingus photo gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) has changed its course again. The Irish carrier is dropping its no-frills concept and is now is seeking a new alliance (it previously dropped out of the Oneworld Alliance).
News link:
Aer Lingus set to cancel 64 flights today due to an ATC controllers strike
Aer Lingus (Dublin) is canceling 64 flights today due to an Irish ATC controllers strike. Ryanair (Dublin) is also being forced to cancel 48 flights.
News link:
www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/air-traffic-control-strike-likely-to-escalate-442670.html
Aer Lingus to trim Gatwick fleet to three aircraft
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Aer Lingus (Dublin) is trimming its operation at Gatwick Airport near London due to soft demand. The assigned fleet will be trimmed from five aircraft to three at the end of March.
News link:
Aer Lingus fails to get labor agreement, will cut positions
Please click on AG icon for a direct link to the Aer Lingus photos gallery.
Aer Lingus (Dublin) failed to get approvals from all of its unions on new contracts and will cut the number of positions to retain its independence.
News link:
www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idCNGEE5B025020091201?rpc=44
Aer Lingus is facing worst funding crisis since 1936
Aer Lingus (Dublin) is facing its worst financial crisis since its founding according to this published report.
News link:
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8358894.stm
