Aer Lingus
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| Aer Lingus | ||
|---|---|---|
| IATA EI | ICAO EIN |
Callsign SHAMROCK |
| Founded | 1936 | <tr><th colspan="2">Hubs</th><td>Dublin Airport|
| Fleet size | 35+4 | |
| Destinations | 60 | |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | |
| Key people | John Sharman (Chairman), Dermot Mannion (CEO) | |
| Website: http://www.aerlingus.com | ||
Aer Lingus is the national airline of Ireland. Based in Dublin, it operates over 30 aircraft serving Europe, the United States and recently Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The airline is 28% owned by the Irish government; it was floated on the Dublin and London Stock Exchanges on 2 October 2006, following prior government approval (the government previously owned 85% of the airline). Aer Lingus is a member of the Oneworld airline alliance, though has announced its intention to leave on 1 April 2007 <ref>McEnaney, Tom (May 30 2006). Aer Lingus to quit Oneworld alliance. Irish Independent. Retrieved on [[May 31, 2006]].</ref>. The company employs 4,000 people and has revenue of €906.8 million as of 2004. Its slogan is Low Fares, Way Better.
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[edit] History
[edit] Early years
Aer Lingus Teoranta was registered as an airline on May 22, 1936. The name, Aer Lingus is an anglicisation of the Irish form Aer Loingeas which means Air Fleet (as does Aeroflot). Five days after being founded the airline opened its first service between Baldonnel Airfield in Dublin and Bristol, England, using a six-seater De Havilland 84 Dragon (Photo) biplane which was named Iolar (Eagle). Later that year, the airline acquired its second aircraft, a De Havilland 84B Dragon Express, a four engined variant with a capacity of 14 passengers.
In 1937 the Irish government created Aer Rianta (now called Dublin Airport Authority), a company to assume financial responsibility for the new airline and the entire country's civil aviation infrastructure. In 1938 Iolar was replaced by a de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide and a second DH84B was also purchased. Two Lockheed L-14s arrived in 1939, Aer Lingus' first all-metal aircraft.
In January 1940 a new airport was completed in the Dublin suburb of Collinstown and Aer Lingus moved their operations there. Apart from a new DC-3 service to Liverpool and an internal service to Shannon the airline's services were curtailed during World War II.
[edit] Post-war expansion
On November 9, 1945 regular services were resumed with an inaugural post-war flight to London. From this point on Aer Lingus planes were painted in a silver and green livery, and the airline's first flight attendants were introduced. In 1946 a new Anglo-Irish agreement gave Aer Lingus exclusive UK traffic rights in exchange for a 40% holding by British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways (BEA). Because of Aer Lingus' rate of growth the airline bought seven new Vickers Viking planes in 1947, however, these proved to be uneconomical and were soon sold.
In 1947 Aerlínte Éireann came into existence with the purpose of operating transatlantic flights to New York from Ireland. Three new Lockheed Constellations were ordered but a financial crisis prevented the service from starting. The Constellations were then sold to BOAC and the transatlantic service was put on hold. During the late 1940s and early 1950s Aer Lingus introduced new routes to Brussels, Amsterdam and Rome. Because of the expanding route structure the airline became one of the first to order Vickers Viscount 707s in 1951. In 1956 Aer Lingus introduced a new, green top livery with a white lighting flash down the windows and the Irish flag displayed on each plane's fin.
[edit] First transatlantic service
On April 28, 1958 Aerlínte Éireann operated the first transatlantic service from Shannon to New York. Three Lockheed Constellations were used for the thrice-weekly service. The aircraft were wet-leased from the American airline Seaboard And Western while Irish cabin crews were used. This arrangement continued until January 1, 1960 when Aerlínte Éireann was renamed Aer Lingus - Irish International Airlines. Aer Lingus entered the jet-age on December 14, 1960 when three Boeing 720s were delivered for use on the New York route, as well as for the newest Aer Lingus destination, Boston.
In 1963, Aer Lingus brought Carvairs to the fleet. With this aircraft, five cars could be transported by loading them into the fuselage through the nose of the plane. The Carvair proved to be an economic disaster for the airline, partly due to the rise of car ferry services. The Boeing 720s proved to be a success for the airline on the transatlantic routes. In 1964 Aer Lingus took delivery of the larger Boeing 707.
[edit] Jet aircraft
Conversion of the European fleet to jet equipment began in 1965 when the BAC 1-11 started services from Dublin and Cork to Paris. A new livery was adopted in the same year, with a large white shamrock on the fin and titles of Aer Lingus-International just above the plane's windows. In 1966 the remainder of the companies shares held by Aer Rianta were transferred to the Minister for Finance.
In 1966, the route from Shannon to Montreal and onward to Chicago was inaugurated.
In 1968, flights from Belfast in Northern Ireland to New York were started. The service was soon suspended due to the beginning of the Troubles in the area. 1969 saw the introduction of Boeing 737s to the Aer Lingus fleet to cope with the high demand for flights between the cities of Dublin and London. Aer Lingus later extended the 737 flights to all of their European network.
[edit] 1970s to 1990s
In 1970 Aer Lingus took delivery of two Boeing 747s for use on the transatlantic routes. A third was later added to the fleet but one was leased out because it was not profitable at first for the company to fly 747s across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1974 a new livery was unveiled and the word International disappeared from the fuselage titles on Aer Lingus planes. The livery included two different colors of blue and one green, plus the white shamrock on the tail/fin.
In September 1979 Aer Lingus became the first airline other than Alitalia to be used by Pope John Paul II. The pontiff flew aboard a specially modified Boeing 747 (EI-ASI or St. Patrick) from Rome to Dublin and later from Shannon to Boston. In the early 1980s the 707s were phased out.
In 1984 a fully-owned subsidiary, Aer Lingus Commuter, was formed so that Aer Lingus could fly to larger cities in Ireland and Britain whose flying time from Dublin did not require jet planes. These services were operated primarily by five of the Belfast-built Shorts 360 after conducting a trial with the Shorts 330. Around this time Aer Lingus purchased a majority sharehold in the cargo airline Aer Turas, owner of some DC-8 freighter jets.
Between 1987 and 1989, new Boeing 737s arrived to replace the older ones, and 6 Fokker F50s were added to the Commuter fleet. During 1990, after the passage of the deregulation act for the airline industry in Ireland, Aer Lingus had to reconsider its operational policies. The BAC 1-11s were retired and 5 new 737s arrived. In 1991, 4 Saab 340Bs arrived at the commuter division to replace the Shorts 360 planes. By 1992 Aer Lingus's entire original 737-200 fleet had been replaced and was now the first operator in the world of all three versions of the second generation 737. These were the -300, -400 and -500 series, although the -300 did not last long in Aer Lingus service.
[edit] Airbus operations
In 1994 Aer Lingus started direct services between Dublin and the United States using the Airbus A330 and in May of that year Aer Lingus operated the first A330 ETOPS service on the North Atlantic route. This led to the phasing out of the Boeing 747 and the briefly operated Boeing 767-300ER. On October 2, 1995 the last jumbo-jet service was operated after twenty-five years of service. By that time, over 8 million people had travelled across the Atlantic in Aer Lingus Boeing 747s. The late 1990s saw Aer Lingus return to Belfast with a service to New York via Shannon. Newark International Airport in New Jersey was also added as a destination. However, since then these flights have been suspended.
In 1 February 2001, Aer Lingus Commuter was merged back into the mainline operation. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001 Aer Lingus' business was severely reduced. Staff numbers were cut, destinations were dropped and the fleet was reduced. The airline has since weathered the storm and is back in profit - this has largely been achieved through a strategy involving lowering the airline's cost base, updating the fleet with modern Airbus equipment and developing new routes to mainland European destinations (Aer Lingus had previously largely neglected mainland Europe in favour of US and British destinations). They are currently positioning themselves as competition to the European no-frills airlines, such as Ryanair, easyJet, Volare and Germanwings, while offering intercontinental flights as well. Business class travel and cargo provisions for short haul flights have both been phased out, and the possibility has been raised of the trademark aquamarine uniforms being dropped in favour of casual poloneck shirts. [citation needed]
On 27 October 2005 Aer Lingus announced their first scheduled service to Asia from March 2006 as Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, where Chief Executive Dermot Mannion was based when at Emirates <ref>http://www.rte.ie/business/2005/1027/aerlingus.html</ref>. Despite the Aer Lingus press release describing it as the first long haul service outside the United States, there had in fact been a previous service to Montreal, Canada from 1966-1979. The great circle distance of 5926 kilometres (3682 miles) is comparable to the current service to Chicago but Los Angeles remains Aer Lingus' longest route at 8338 kilometers (5181 miles). At the same time Mr. Mannion linked the funding of new long haul aircraft to replace the A330 fleet with the privatisation of the airline.
On 29 October 2005 Aer Lingus withdrew its last two Boeing 737 aircraft from service. EI-CDH (a 737-500) operated the last sectors from Dublin to Nice, France and back. The aircraft and its sister ship EI-CDG now operate for Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise in Russia. This marks the end of Boeing content within Aer Lingus' fleet.
[edit] Flotation
In preparation for the commercial flotation of Aer Lingus on the Dublin stock market, the Irish government agreed to abolish the Shannon stopover from the end of 2006 in stages. Aer Lingus currently fly to Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City <ref>http://www.rte.ie/business/2006/0817/aerlingus.html?rss</ref>; and in late 2005, were reported to be planning at least four new US routes from Dublin, with Dallas, Miami, Philadelphia and San Francisco under consideration <ref>http://www.rte.ie/business/2005/1111/shannon.html</ref>.
The company began conditional (or "grey-market") share dealings on 27 September, 2006 and was formally admitted to the Official Lists of the Irish Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange on 2 October 2006. At the time of the floatation the Irish government maintained a 28% shareholding, while employees held 15%.
Aer Lingus will withdraw from the Oneworld airline alliance on 1 April 2007, though intends to retain strong bilateral links with various Oneworld members and has no intention of joining any other global alliance. On 19 November, 2006, Aer Lingus declared that it would shortly announce agreements with American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qantas. However negotiations with British Airways have yet to be concluded. The decision to leave the alliance was due to Aer Lingus repositioning itself as a low-fares point to point carrier, which is at odds with Oneworld's pitch to the premium international frequent-flyer.
With the flotation of Aer Lingus on the stock exchange, Aer Lingus is planning to expand its route network. New destinations to Europe and North America are planned, and destinations to Asia are also possible. Already, Aer Lingus are planning to fly to Greece, Turkey, Scandinavia, San Francisco and Florida <ref>http://www.rte.ie/business/2006/0912/aerlingus.html?rss</ref>.
[edit] Ryanair takeover bid
On 5 October, 2006 Ryanair launched a €1.48bn bid to buy Aer Lingus. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said the move was a "unique opportunity" to form an Irish airline. The "new" airline would carry over 50 million passengers a year. Ryanair said it had bought a 16% stake in Aer Lingus and was offering €2.80 per share for remaining shares <ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5408780.stm</ref>. On the same day Aer Lingus rejected Ryanair's takeover bid <ref>http://www.rte.ie/business/2006/1005/ryanair.html?rss</ref>. On 5 October, Ryanair confirmed it had raised its stake to 19.2%, and said it had no problem in the Irish Government keeping its 28.3%. There were also reports in the Irish Times that the Government would possibly seek judgement from the courts, and referal to competition authorities in Dublin - although this would be automatic under European regulation, as the combined group would control 78% of the Dublin - London passenger air traffic <ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5412002.stm</ref>.
On 29 November, Ryanair confirmed it had taken its stake to 26.2% of the airline<ref>http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1732187&issue_id=14940</ref>.
[edit] Destinations
[edit] Routes
New Routes as of October 2006
New Upgraded Routes (from Seasonal to Full Service)
With these recently announced routes, Aer Lingus, has just announced (31st October 2006) what it termed the latest step in its ongoing programme to introduce new daily services, additional frequencies and new destinations to its European network.
This brings to 65 the number of short haul routes Aer Lingus will operate for summer 2007 and continues the strategy of increasing frequency on existing routes and adding new routes that have identifiable customer demand.
With these additional services, Aer Lingus will operate an additional 86 flights per week offering a total of 15,000 extra seats to and from "centrally located airports."
New Daily Services:
- Dublin to Budapest, Geneva, Lisbon, Prague, Venice and Zürich will increase to daily flights.
Increased Frequencies:
- Dublin to Barcelona, Berlin, Bologna, Dubrovnik, Krakow, Madrid, Naples, Nice, Rennes, Riga and Seville will have increased frequency.
- Cork to Birmingham, Faro and London Heathrow will have increased frequency.
New For Summer 2007:
- Cork to Manchester will commence from March 2007, operating five flights a week.
- Cork to Madrid and Prague will operate three times weekly for summer 2007.
- Dublin to Newcastle and Milan-Malpensa will operate for summer 2007.
- Dublin to Athens will commence from June 2007, operating three times weekly. The introduction of the new service to Athens is a milestone development for the company as it is Aer Lingus’ first scheduled service to Greece.
Furthermore, Management at the recently privatised Irish National Carrier has also just announced plans for expansion in the long-haul programme. Currently, in its long-haul division it serves Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles New York and Dubai.
However, as from May an June 2007, the company will acquire two new Airbus A330. One A330-200 and one A330-300, increasing the long haul fleet to nine aircraft.
They will add 26 flights each week providing a 28 pct boost to Aer Lingus' long haul capacity and bringing to 120 the total number of long haul flights which will be operated weekly by the airline to and from the US and Middle East.
'The arrival of two new long haul aircraft next year marks the first phase of the long haul expansion plan and gives Aer Lingus the opportunity to develop its presence in the US market,' said chief executive Dermot Mannion.
[edit] Fleet
[edit] Current Fleet
The Aer Lingus fleet consists of the following aircraft as of August 2006:
| Type | Number | Seats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320-200 | 22 (2 Orders) | 174 | Photograph of EI-DEC [1] |
| Airbus A321-200 | 6 | 212 | Photograph of EI-CPG [2] |
| Airbus A330-200 | 3 (1 Order) | 269 | Photograph of EI-EWR [3] |
| Airbus A330-300 | 4 (1 Order) | 327 | Photograph of EI-ORD [4] |
In March 2006, the average age of the Aer Lingus fleet was 4.4 years.
Aer Lingus placed an order for 1 Airbus A330-200 and 1 Airbus A330-300 aircraft in February, both are due for delivery in May 2007. Aer Lingus also have 2 further A320s on order which are due for delivery in June 2007.
[edit] Retired fleet
[edit] Transatlantic fleet
- McDonnell Douglas MD-11, 1998-2001, leased several times from World Airways
- Boeing 767-300ER, 1991-1994
- Boeing 747-100, 1971-1995
- Boeing 707-320, 1964-1986
- Boeing 720 1960-1971
- Lockheed Super Constellation, 1958-1960
- Lockheed Constellation, 1948 (Aerlinte Eireann)
[edit] European and commuter fleet
- BAe 146-300, 1995-2003
- Saab 340, 1991-1995
- Boeing 737-500, 1990-2005
- Fokker 50, 1989-2001
- Boeing 737-400, 1989-2005
- Boeing 737-300, 1987-1993
- Shorts 360, 1984-1991
- Shorts 330, 1983
- Boeing 737-200, 1969-1992
- Vickers Viscount 800, 1966-19xx
- BAC 1-11, 1965-1990
- Fokker 27, 1958-1966
- Vickers Viscount 700, 1954-1966
- Vickers Viking 1947
- Douglas DC-3 1940-1960s
- Lockheed L-14 1939-1940
- de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide 1938-19xx
- de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, 1936-1938
[edit] Incidents and accidents
Aer Lingus has suffered only 8 major incidents in its history, 7 accidents which left planes written-off, of which 3 were fatal, and 1 hijacking. The last such incident happened 20 years ago, in 1986, when a Shorts 360 hit high-tension power lines after rolling.
In January 1952, a Douglas DC-3 en route from Northolt to Dublin suffered from extreme turbulence and crashed at Gwynant Lake in Snowdonia killing all 20 passengers and 3 crew on board.
A pilot training flight in 1967 left all three crew on board a Vickers Viscount dead after stalling and spinning in-air near Ashbourne.
Their most significant air crash was in 1968 when a Viscount aircraft en route from Cork to London crashed near Tuskar Rock in the waters off the southeast coast of Ireland. All 57 passengers and four crew perished. The crash is generally known as the Tuskar Rock Air Disaster in Ireland. The aircraft's elevator trim tab was found some distance from the rest of the wreckage, suggesting that it had become detached at an earlier stage. However, the accident report reached no definitive conclusion about the cause of the crash, but notably failed to exclude the possibility that another "aircraft or airborne object" was involved. Following persistent rumours that the aircraft's demise was linked with nearby British military exercises, a review of the case files by the Air Accidents Investigation Unit took place in 1998. This review identified a number of maintenance and record-keeping failures and concluded that the original report failed to adequately examine alternative hypotheses not involving other aircraft[5]. A subsequent investigation [6] concluded that the accident happened following a structural failure of the port tailplane, and ruled out the possibility that another aircraft was involved.
In 2005, Aer Lingus Flight 132 almost collided with another jet aircraft on the runway. The Aer Lingus aircraft was cleared for takeoff from runway 15R, and five seconds later, at 19:39:15, US Airways flight 1170 was cleared to takeoff from runway 9. These runways intersect each other at Logan Airport. Due to the intersection of both runways, the aircraft had essentially been sent on a collision course. During the take-off roll, the US Airways First Officer noticed the other plane and realized that they were going to collide. Some evasive action was taken, and the two planes passed within 170 feet of each other, with the Aer Lingus aircraft flying over the US Airways Aircraft. Shortly thereafter, the US Airways flight continued down the runway and took off safely.
[edit] Other activities
From 1965 to 1997 Aer Lingus sponsored the Aer Lingus Young Scientist Exhibition. The event was taken over by BT Ireland amid claims that it was part of a cost cutting plan by Aer Lingus, though the airline claimed that the exhibition no longer represented the airline's aims.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
<references/>
- Share, Bernard (1986). The Flight Of The Iolar : The Aer Lingus Experience 1936-1986. Gill And Macmillan. ISBN 0-7171-1457-0.
- Weldon, Niall G. (2002). Pioneers in Flight: Aer Lingus and the Story of Aviation in Ireland. The Liffey Press. ISBN 1-904148-21-2.
[edit] External links
- Aer Lingus
- Aer Lingus Fleet Age
- Aer Lingus Fleet Detail
- Aer Lingus Fleet and Orders
- Aer Lingus Passenger Opinions
- Photos of Aer Lingus aircraft
| Members of the oneworld Alliance |
|
Aer Lingus • American Airlines • British Airways |
| Airlines of Ireland | Image:Flag of Ireland.svg |
|---|---|
| Members of the Association of European Airlines |
|---|
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