Please note that as of October 01 2010 "Contrails" has moved to a new address at Wordpress.
http://aerspace.wordpress.com
Nothing else has changed though - it's the same content. !
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Aer Lingus needs to look at merger - Willie Walsh
Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways feels that Aer Lingus may need to surrender it's independence in order to secure it's future. Mr. Walsh was speaking yesterday at the Jim Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick. Given the way that the Irish economy has performed in recent times and given the way that the carrier has suffered in recent times he said that".. you could now make an argument that it's future as an indepenedent carrier is not that secure and maybe Aer Lingus does need to look at a relationship with some other carrier".
He added however that the current legacy ownership structure will make it difficult to attract new investors. "With Ryanair a significant shareholder at 30% and the Irish government with 25%, ESOT (Employee Share Ownership Trust) with 15% I struggle to see how anyone would invest or want to invest with that sort of structure".
On the subject of a Ryanair takeover of Aer Lingus, Mr. Walsh said that he had always found it difficult to understand why Ryanair would want to takeover Aer Lingus. He wouldn't say that a merger was impossible but it would be difficult given the competition implications. "If you look at the theory of competition, the consumer couldn't win with the two firms being merged. That competition would disappear."
He added however that the current legacy ownership structure will make it difficult to attract new investors. "With Ryanair a significant shareholder at 30% and the Irish government with 25%, ESOT (Employee Share Ownership Trust) with 15% I struggle to see how anyone would invest or want to invest with that sort of structure".
On the subject of a Ryanair takeover of Aer Lingus, Mr. Walsh said that he had always found it difficult to understand why Ryanair would want to takeover Aer Lingus. He wouldn't say that a merger was impossible but it would be difficult given the competition implications. "If you look at the theory of competition, the consumer couldn't win with the two firms being merged. That competition would disappear."
Ryanair welcomes BAA decision
Ryanair was quick to respond to today's news that the BAA had reached an agreement to sell London's Gatwick Airport for £1.5bn. Reacting to the news the airline tempered it's enthusiasm by saying that it recognized the sale of Gatwick as the first step in the breakup of the BAA monopoly, urging the full recommendations of the UK Competition Commission be implemented whereby Stansted and a Scottish Airport would also be sold.
The carrier also called for the breakup of the DAA (Dublin Airport authority) which owns and manages Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports, forecasting that Dublin will lose 2m passengers this year with Cork and Shannon losing a combined 1m. Against this backdrop, Ryanair will grow by 9m passengers this year. "Even Aer Lingus is growing traffic in the current recession, while the DAA monopoly is losing millions of passengers and thousands of jobs", it added.
The carrier also called for the breakup of the DAA (Dublin Airport authority) which owns and manages Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports, forecasting that Dublin will lose 2m passengers this year with Cork and Shannon losing a combined 1m. Against this backdrop, Ryanair will grow by 9m passengers this year. "Even Aer Lingus is growing traffic in the current recession, while the DAA monopoly is losing millions of passengers and thousands of jobs", it added.
EI-REH in clipping incident at Manchester
Today's Aer Arann flight REA515, operated by ATR72 registered EI-REH from Galway to Manchester damaged a propeller when the aircraft impacted a mirror guidance system at the terminal. The aircraft carrying 32 passengers and 4 crew was taxiing onto it's parking stand when the incident occurred. The airline issued a statement stating that "The incident involved Flight RE 515 from Galway. At about 11.45am, the propeller on the aircraft made contact with a docking guidance mirror while parking on a stand.
"Damage was caused to the propeller which was rotating slowly at the time. As a precaution, the airport fire service attended the incident. There were 32 passengers and four crew members on board. There were no injuries and all passengers left the aircraft normally."
"Damage was caused to the propeller which was rotating slowly at the time. As a precaution, the airport fire service attended the incident. There were 32 passengers and four crew members on board. There were no injuries and all passengers left the aircraft normally."
A replacement aircraft, ATR72 EI-REO with engineers and customer service staff was sent from Dublin. It operated flight REA 516 which arrived in Galway just after 20:00 utc.
Ryanair discusses it's future at Shannon
It is five years since Ryanair signed it's current base agreement with Shannon Airport. Under the terms of the agreement which runs out in April 2010 the airline has invested $400m in based aircraft and grown it's passenger numbers at the airport from 300,000 in 2004 to 1.9m in 2008.
Ryanair has said that since the Irish Government introduced it's €10 travel tax on April 1st last passenger number have declined at Shannon. Last winter the airline based 6 aircraft at the airport, reducing that strength to four during summer 2009 and proposes just three based frames this coming winter.
Ryanair has on numerous occasions in the past four years stated that it's Shannon operation has lost money in each of the five years of the current agreement.
In spite of these losses, Ryanair has written to the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) confirming that if the government drops the travel tax by February 1st next and if the SAA extends the airline's cost base for a further five years then Ryanair will "commit to delivering more than 1.2m passengers annually, on up to four based aircraft".
If both conditions are not met, Ryanair has promised to reduce it's base strength to one aircraft operating the London and some UK provincial routes and delivering just 300,000 passengers.
Shannon faces into the coming winter with a bleak future and a large drop in revenue on the horizon. Delta Airlines and US Airways terminated their transatlantic services in recent weeks. Cityjet is terminating it's Paris route this weekend and Aer Lingus is as good as terminating it's transatlantic services from next spring. On top of that the €20m preclearance facility is rapidly turning into a white elephant - Aer Lingus has refused to use it and USCBP won't increase the manning levels to give 24-7 operations since the passenger numbers aren't there to justify it. With a handling fee of just €10.50 per passenger cleared, a significant throughput is required to make the facility pay for itself.
Ryanair has said that since the Irish Government introduced it's €10 travel tax on April 1st last passenger number have declined at Shannon. Last winter the airline based 6 aircraft at the airport, reducing that strength to four during summer 2009 and proposes just three based frames this coming winter.
Ryanair has on numerous occasions in the past four years stated that it's Shannon operation has lost money in each of the five years of the current agreement.
In spite of these losses, Ryanair has written to the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) confirming that if the government drops the travel tax by February 1st next and if the SAA extends the airline's cost base for a further five years then Ryanair will "commit to delivering more than 1.2m passengers annually, on up to four based aircraft".
If both conditions are not met, Ryanair has promised to reduce it's base strength to one aircraft operating the London and some UK provincial routes and delivering just 300,000 passengers.
Shannon faces into the coming winter with a bleak future and a large drop in revenue on the horizon. Delta Airlines and US Airways terminated their transatlantic services in recent weeks. Cityjet is terminating it's Paris route this weekend and Aer Lingus is as good as terminating it's transatlantic services from next spring. On top of that the €20m preclearance facility is rapidly turning into a white elephant - Aer Lingus has refused to use it and USCBP won't increase the manning levels to give 24-7 operations since the passenger numbers aren't there to justify it. With a handling fee of just €10.50 per passenger cleared, a significant throughput is required to make the facility pay for itself.
Ryanair to cut Kerry - Stansted capacity
Kerry Airport has found that it too is not immune from the Ryanair sword. The carrier has announced that it is cutting it's Kerry - Stansted service from 14 per week to 4, blaming the decision on a combination of the Irish government's €10 travel tax and the high airport costs at Stansted. In contrast though frequency on Kerry - Luton is being increased from four flight to seven flights per weekFrom October 25 there will be one flight a day between Kerry and Luton and one flight between Kerry and Stansted on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Passengers planning on early departures to London are restricted to Fridays and Sundays: the only days with flights to London before 10am.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Hawker Beechcraft receive world speed record for Shannon flight
N126ZZ overnighted at Shannon after it's record breaking flight and departed for Geneva the next morning.
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation was honored at the NBAA Convention today for a world speed record established in May of this year. At a ceremony at the HBC display at Orlando Executive Airport, National Aeronautics Association officials presented the pilots of the aircraft with certificates commemorating the flight. The Hawker 4000 Horizon aircraft, registered N126ZZ (msn RC-10) to Meir Aviation established it's record on a flight from Farmingdale, New York to Shannon on May 8 of this year. The 4,929 km sector was covered in a time of 5 hrs 17 minutes. The HBC crew consisted of Vice President of Flight Operations Bob Blouin and Senior Demonstration Captain Mark Danin. Their average speed over the route was 932.83 kph at an altitude of 41,000 feet. The NAA approved the record in the category Class C-1.I (35,274 lbs.-44,092 lbs.) Group III (jet), and forwarded it to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) in Switzerland where it was certified as a world record. N126ZZ was en route to EBACE in Geneva when the record was set. The visit to Shannon was the first visit of a Horizon to Shannon.NASA Gulfstream 3 N803NA makes Shannon fuel stop
N803NA on finals to R24 at lunchtime today
NASA's Gulfstream 3 registered N803NA made a fuel stop at Shannon this lunchtime en route Moscow - Gander. The aircraft is msn 309 and is operated by the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force in California. Built in 1980 the aircraft was originally delivered to NASA as N1NA. In September 2006 it became N2NA which visited Shannon on May 12 2007. In March of this year another identity change took place when the current registration was assumed.Ryanair's plan to help Scottish tourism
Ryanair announced today that it had made a proposal to Scotland's Finance Minister John Swinney whereby it would help the country achieve it's targeted growth in tourist numbers of 50% between now and 2015. Citing the precedent of a route development support program which operated from 2002 to 2007 Ryanair says that it will grow passenger numbers and reverse the downward trend in passengers arising from the £10 APD passenger tax. In the first 8 months of this year passenger numbers at Scotland's airports fell by 6.3% YoY to 15m whilst in the same time frame those at Ryanair grew 12% to 43m. In the event of the route support program being implemented Ryanair has pledged to add an additional 1.5m passengers per annum which would have the knock on effect of creating 1,500 jobs. The APD tax is due to increase to £11 on November 1st next.
Monday, October 19, 2009
G-OBMP diverts to Shannon after birdstrike at Knock
Today's flight BMI 3902, callsign BMI92A routing Knock to Manchester diverted to Shannon this afternoon after the aircraft suffered a birdstrike on takeoff from Knock. The flight operated by B737-300 registered G-OBMP landed safely in Shannon at 14:51 utc.
A relief aircraft G-TOYM positioned to Shannon as BMI 9411. The passengers finally got to resume their journey when TOYM departed Shannon for Manchester at 20:11 utc.
A relief aircraft G-TOYM positioned to Shannon as BMI 9411. The passengers finally got to resume their journey when TOYM departed Shannon for Manchester at 20:11 utc.
Profit doubles at Aergo Capital to over $10m
The "Irish Times" reports that year end after tax profit at Aergo Capital more than doubled to $10.7m for the year ended December 2008. The company was founded in 1999 by Denis O'Brien who owns 85% of the company along with chief executive Fred Browne who holds the balance. The exceptional 2008 performance is in spite of Aergo taking a charge of $15m when Alitalia returned 25 MD82 aircraft after the carrier was placed in administration. Aergo also took a hit of $18m following it's successful acquisition of South African operator Safair.
At present, the Aergo Capital fleet consists of 90 aircraft placed with 25 operators worldwide including KLM, DHL, South African Airways and the UN. At the end of 2008 the fleet had a book value of $344m. Although the company is Dublin based for tax purposes it's operational bases are South Africa and Chile. Last week it opened a third base with three aircraft in Nairobi.
At present, the Aergo Capital fleet consists of 90 aircraft placed with 25 operators worldwide including KLM, DHL, South African Airways and the UN. At the end of 2008 the fleet had a book value of $344m. Although the company is Dublin based for tax purposes it's operational bases are South Africa and Chile. Last week it opened a third base with three aircraft in Nairobi.
New terminal opened at Ireland West Knock
On Friday last, October 16, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey officially opened a terminal extension at Ireland West Airport in Knock, Co. Mayo. The 3,000 sq. m extension will be known as the "Kennedy Terminal" in honor of Joe Kennedy, former Chairman and Honorary President of the Board of Directors. In total a capital investment program of €11.5m has been implemented in the past year, covering the new terminal, a CAT II ILS and a fully automated real time arrivals and departures information system. Commenting on the opening, the current Chairman, Liam Scollan said "Government support for infrastructure here has been of enormous benefit. We can now say now that this airport has arrived as a truly international, low cost, reliable airport with even more ease and speed of passage for passengers wishing to use us from all over Ireland.”
Ireland West Knock Airport will handle in the region of 600,000 passengers this year which is little changed from last year's figure - a remarkable performance when other airports are showing double digit YoY declines.
Ireland West Knock Airport will handle in the region of 600,000 passengers this year which is little changed from last year's figure - a remarkable performance when other airports are showing double digit YoY declines.
Dempsey says Aer Lingus can't survive without cuts
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, speaking on RTE Radio 1's Sunday news program "This Week", said yesterday that unless Aer Lingus achieves it's target savings of €100m "we will not be talking about Aer Lingus in a few years time". Mr. Dempsey said that the choice facing the airline "was stark" at this time with no choice open to it. He urged the company and the unions to sit down and discuss the savings package. When asked if he supported the cost cutting proposals, Minister Dempsey said that he supported the fact that the need for change must be recognised - a sound political answer.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
UK CAA September Passenger Numbers
The UK CAA has published traffic figures for September 2009.
Dublin-London
Dublin's Gatwick traffic which is split between Ryanair and Aer Lingus showed a 6% YoY growth at 90,203. Heathrow and Stansted both showed negative trends with LHR down 14% again this month to 127,947 passengers and Stansted (a Ryanair preserve) down 18% to 62,813. Luton was down 2% YoY at 27,931. Once again no surprises with the trend following previous months with Gatwick and Luton remaining relatively unscathed at the expense of Stansted and Heathrow. The higher cost airports are suffering at the expense of the lower cost which certainly seems to back up the Ryanair contention that the Irish government's travel tax is hitting tourist numbers.
Cork-London
At Cork, Gatwick traffic was down 5% to 9,258. Heathrow was down 2% to 43,168 while Stansted, a Ryanair route was down 3% to 24,207. Cork's traffic decline has certainly slowed considerably to single digit compared to the mid teen double digit elsewhere.
Shannon-London
Shannon has fared similar to Dublin and Cork with Gatwick down 11% YoY for the month at 14,996 and Stansted again down 18% YoY, to 21,633, explainable by one less return flight per day on the route.
On the Heathrow - Shannon route the total for the month was 10,996 down in the region of 4,000 over the August figure for the same frequency.
Belfast-London
On the Belfast City - Heathrow route, BMI will be well pleased with it's September performance. Not only did it manage to buck the seasonal trend which sees numbers drop from August to September but it also managed a 5% YoY growth on the route with 44,173 passengers.
Over at Aldergrove, Aer Lingus has seen it's slide on the - Heathrow route continue with a 13% YoY decline with almost 4,500 less passengers over August using the service.
BMI 1-0 Aer Lingus once again.
On the Belfast City - London Gatwick route, operated by FlyBe, passenger figures are up 24% YoY at 18,357 which represents a higher growth figure than August but less passengers using the route Month on Month. EasyJet's Belfast International - Gatwick route suffered again this month with a 10% YoY fall in numbers to 24,135.
FlyBe 1-0 easyJet.
A40-BG delivered to Oman Air via Shannon
A40-BG on finals to R24 in autumn sunshine.
Oman Air has taken delivery of it's latest B737-8FZ. The aircraft registered A40-BG is msn 29664 and arrived in Shannon from Boeing field via Gander yesterday morning. A40-BG departed Shannon at 04:50 this morning for the final leg of it's delivery flight to Muscat with hex code 70C0A9. Sister ship A40-BF was also delivered through Shannon last weekend.
Friday, October 16, 2009
VQ-BEQ departs Shannon on delivery to Vladivostok Avia
N297MD finally makes it to Shannon
N297MD on Taxiway 7 shows the challenges presented to the modern aircraft photographer !
B737-752 msn 34297 finally arrived in Shannon yesterday evening from Howard Air Force base in Panama. The aircraft is a 2005 build machine which was delivered by GECAS to Aero Mexico as EI-DMX before taking up marks XA-MAY last year. In mid July of this year it was placed on the US register. The aircraft was due to be ferried Howard - Bermuda - Shannon last weekend but on the sector from Bermuda to Shannon on Sunday last the aircraft developed a technical problem and diverted to Halifax NS. The aircraft is currently in basic Aero Mexico colors with the rudder remaining the only untouched element (due to balance) in the original colors. N297MD is due to go to Turkish operator Andolu Jet once it is transferred to that country's register.VP-BAJ fuel stops at Shannon
VP-BAJ seen exiting R06 at 'Charlie' this morning
It is so long now since B727 aircraft were used on regular airline service in Europe that the aircraft have now achieved "Classic" status. This morning B727-30/RE registered VP-BAJ (msn 18936) arrived from Southend on a transatlantic fuel stop. Whilst it only went on the Bermudan register in May of last year this aircraft is no stranger to Shannon. Back in the 1980's the aircraft was a regular visitor as N5073L when it was registered to United Technologies with whom it also served as N16764 and N33UT. Prior to taking Bermudan marks the aircraft was registered N67JR and N18HH (Hilton Hotels). Whilst it may sport a 21st century BBJ color scheme it's just a 'scrape' for those old enough to remember !New airport board structures
In response to questions from Fine Gael's deputy leader and Spokesman on Finance Richard Bruton and the party's Deputy Spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Clare TD (MP) Pat Breen., the Minister or Transport Noel Dempsey issued a written response on Tuesday last relating to the make up of the sub board structures of the DAA (Dublin Airport Authority).
In the past the management of the three state airports was the preserve of airport operator Aer Rianta. The current administration decided to give autonomous control to each of the airports but the decision was subsequently reversed. Both Cork and Shannon airports have fought long and hard for their independence but that day is further away than it ever was.
The original plan to split Aer Rianta was made in 2004 but the decision on whether or not to implement the plan has been deferred until 2011. The irony is that each of the airports is managed by it's own Airport Authority which are subservient to the DAA (Dublin Airport Authority) which maintains overall control of the state airports.
Minister Dempsey announced on Tuesday of this week that he had agreed revised board structures with each of the airports. Under the agreement the Chairmen of the SAA (Shannon) and CAA (Cork) will become members of the DAA board and senior executives of the DAA will be appointed to the boards of the SAA and CAA. Hang on ! Didn't we have this before when it was called Aer Rianta ?
The new structure of the DAA will consist of :
1 Chairman
1 CEO
1 SAA Chairman
1 CAA Chairman
5 members
4 worker directors
All of which looks like too many chiefs...
The SAA and CAA structure will consist of :
1 Chair
6 members including a DAA executive
2 worker directors
In the past the management of the three state airports was the preserve of airport operator Aer Rianta. The current administration decided to give autonomous control to each of the airports but the decision was subsequently reversed. Both Cork and Shannon airports have fought long and hard for their independence but that day is further away than it ever was.
The original plan to split Aer Rianta was made in 2004 but the decision on whether or not to implement the plan has been deferred until 2011. The irony is that each of the airports is managed by it's own Airport Authority which are subservient to the DAA (Dublin Airport Authority) which maintains overall control of the state airports.
Minister Dempsey announced on Tuesday of this week that he had agreed revised board structures with each of the airports. Under the agreement the Chairmen of the SAA (Shannon) and CAA (Cork) will become members of the DAA board and senior executives of the DAA will be appointed to the boards of the SAA and CAA. Hang on ! Didn't we have this before when it was called Aer Rianta ?
The new structure of the DAA will consist of :
1 Chairman
1 CEO
1 SAA Chairman
1 CAA Chairman
5 members
4 worker directors
All of which looks like too many chiefs...
The SAA and CAA structure will consist of :
1 Chair
6 members including a DAA executive
2 worker directors
Private Sky takes delivery of EI-EEZ
EI-EEZ pictured outside the Signature hangar at Shannon this afternoon prior to it's departure.
Private Sky has taken delivery of it's latest and largest to date aircraft. Bombardier CRJ 200 registered EI-EEZ was delivered to the company's Shannon base yesterday morning. Guessing from the colors used in the aircraft's cheatline it is a fair assumption that it will be operated from the company's Moscow base. EI-EEZ is msn 8085 and was ferried Montreal - Keflavik - Shannon. The aircraft departed Shannon tonight using what will be it's fixed callsign "Highflyer 85A" (HYR 85A) routing Shannon - ROTEV. Hex code for EI-EEZ is 4CA7DE. Tuesday, October 13, 2009
M-OODY visits Shannon
M-OODY on finals to R24 at Shannon this morning after a transatlantic crossing
The Manx register probably offers more opportunities than any other for word play on the aircraft registration. Today Shannon had a visit from Citation Jet CJ3 M-OODY. Registered to Future Aviation Services the aircraft carries Dighton International titling on the engine cowls. M-OODY (msn 525B-0238) was registered as Manx in December of last year.British Airways adds second LCY-JFK with G-EUNB
British Airways inaugurated the second daily London City - Shannon - New York service today with the addition of flight BAW 003. Today's service was operated by the second A318 to be delivered, G-EUNB.
Bodies of Air Corps Pilots recovered from crash site
The bodies of the two Air Corps pilots killed in yesterday's crash in Connemara on the Galway / Mayo border have been removed from the crash site and taken to Galway University Hospital for post mortem examination. The two men have been named as Capt. Derek Furniss aged 32 from Dublin and Cadet David Jevens aged 22 from Co. Wexford. Capt. Furniss joined the Defence Forces in 1994 and had been a pilot instructor since 1999. He had accumulated over 3,000 hours and was the Chief Instructor on the PC-9 aircraft. Cadet Jevens was due for commissioning later this year and had accumulated 160 hours on type.
The crash site which is in a remote hilly area, 2km from the nearest road was sealed off this morning since the aircraft was fitted with ejector seats which had to be made safe before the investigation could begin. Th flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered from the site. The Air Corps hope to remove the airframe (reported as serial 265) from the crash site tomorrow and transport it by road to the Air Accident Investigation Unit's facility at Gormanstown where the forensic examination will take place.
A team from the Pilatus company in Switzerland arrived in Galway today to assist in the investigation. The team arrived on PC-12 registered HB-FOT operating flight PCH121 which landed at Carnmore at lunchtime today.
The Irish Aviation Authority has implemented a TRA (Temporary Restricted Area) around the crash site, radius six nautical miles, surface to 5,000ft until 19:00 hrs utc on October 16.
The crash site which is in a remote hilly area, 2km from the nearest road was sealed off this morning since the aircraft was fitted with ejector seats which had to be made safe before the investigation could begin. Th flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered from the site. The Air Corps hope to remove the airframe (reported as serial 265) from the crash site tomorrow and transport it by road to the Air Accident Investigation Unit's facility at Gormanstown where the forensic examination will take place.
A team from the Pilatus company in Switzerland arrived in Galway today to assist in the investigation. The team arrived on PC-12 registered HB-FOT operating flight PCH121 which landed at Carnmore at lunchtime today.
The Irish Aviation Authority has implemented a TRA (Temporary Restricted Area) around the crash site, radius six nautical miles, surface to 5,000ft until 19:00 hrs utc on October 16.
Ryanair to give away 1.1m seats after Panorama program
Before the BBC aired last night's Panorama edition titled "Why hate Ryanair?", the carrier vowed to give away 100,000 free seats for every false claim made in the "hatchet job investigation". As Ryanair put it "These free seats will allow hard pressed BBC licence payers to escape from Panorama’s false claims, shoddy reporting and cover ups."
Today Ryanair honored the commitment by releasing 1.1m free seats on the basis of eleven false or misleading claims which it says that the BBC aired on the program, including the last claim :
" 11. Panorama claimed that “O’Leary is a bully” – this is clearly false when the whole world knows that O’Leary is a kind and gentle, caring and thoughtful, sensitive and saintly human being widely beloved by all Ryanair’s 6,500 people and its 66m passengers."
It must be said that none of the claims made in the program against the airline were particularly malicious in intent, for the most part concentrating on the consumer side of the experience. It was not so much a 'hatchet job' as being mugged by a teddy bear - the program didn't even cut Michael O'Leary's opportunistic commercial for Ryanair when he was doorstopped by reporter Vivian White leaving the airline's recent AGM. All in it was yet another publicity coup for the carrier. Had Ryanair spent any money on it it would have been well spent !
Today Ryanair honored the commitment by releasing 1.1m free seats on the basis of eleven false or misleading claims which it says that the BBC aired on the program, including the last claim :
" 11. Panorama claimed that “O’Leary is a bully” – this is clearly false when the whole world knows that O’Leary is a kind and gentle, caring and thoughtful, sensitive and saintly human being widely beloved by all Ryanair’s 6,500 people and its 66m passengers."
It must be said that none of the claims made in the program against the airline were particularly malicious in intent, for the most part concentrating on the consumer side of the experience. It was not so much a 'hatchet job' as being mugged by a teddy bear - the program didn't even cut Michael O'Leary's opportunistic commercial for Ryanair when he was doorstopped by reporter Vivian White leaving the airline's recent AGM. All in it was yet another publicity coup for the carrier. Had Ryanair spent any money on it it would have been well spent !
Montenegro Airlines 4O-AOB visits dublin
4O-AOB on finals to R28 at Dublin today in the copyright picture by Michael Kelly
Monday, October 12, 2009
Fears for crew as IAC Pilatus PC-9 crashes
Challenger TC-CMK visits Shannon
Pictured on finals to R24 at lunchtime today - Setair's TC-CMK
Istanbul based Setair visited Shannon today with it's latest acquisition, Bombardier Challenger 605 registered TC-CMK. The aircraft is msn 5767 and was registered as Turkish on August 18 last. Ryanair tackle 'Panormama' head on
"It's more like Bananarama than Panorma", so said Ryanair's chief executive Michael O'Leary this evening, referring to the BBC's flagship current affairs program in advance of tonight's edition titled "Why hate Ryanair ?". O'Leary was speaking on RTE Radio One's "Drivetime" program which featured an item about the ongoing spat between the airline and the BBC. The "Bananarama" comment was made in relation to what Michael O'Leary ascertains is going to be a hatchet job by the broadcaster which he says can drag up little more than two untrue statements in relation to the airline's costings and it's past dealings with Airbus. As further proof of the hatchet job, O'Leary went on to add that the program makers had refused to agree to his request for either a live interview or to broadcast an unedited interview.
The "Panorama" reporter Vivian White was also interviewed on the "Drivetime" program. He stated that the BBC could not agree to an unedited interview being shown as part of the program as this would have constituted the broadcaster ceding editorial control to Ryanair, something which it was not prepared to do. Mr. White said that he would be happy to have the program judged by what it contains, adding that he had no complaint about the way that Ryanair had dealt with the BBC.
As the discussion progressed the listener was left wondering if it all wasn't just a case of the battle of the brands with both parties stirring it up for all it was worth.
The last laugh may well be Ryanair's - for a company which doesn't differentiate between good and bad publicity, tonight's program is 30 minutes of free TV advertising funded by the British TV licence payer and shown on the commercial free BBC !
The "Panorama" reporter Vivian White was also interviewed on the "Drivetime" program. He stated that the BBC could not agree to an unedited interview being shown as part of the program as this would have constituted the broadcaster ceding editorial control to Ryanair, something which it was not prepared to do. Mr. White said that he would be happy to have the program judged by what it contains, adding that he had no complaint about the way that Ryanair had dealt with the BBC.
As the discussion progressed the listener was left wondering if it all wasn't just a case of the battle of the brands with both parties stirring it up for all it was worth.
The last laugh may well be Ryanair's - for a company which doesn't differentiate between good and bad publicity, tonight's program is 30 minutes of free TV advertising funded by the British TV licence payer and shown on the commercial free BBC !
Hilary Clinton arrives in Dublin aboard 99-0004
Hilary Cinton arrived in Dublin Sunday afternoon for an official visit to Dublin and Belfast, her first since becoming US Secretary of State. Her party arrived in Dublin on board C-32 serial 99-0004, seen in the copyright picture by Michael Kelly. During her brief stop in Dublin she met with Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian Cowen and Dan Rooney US Ambassador to Ireland and owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers before some photo calls in Dublin city centre. The Clinton party arrived in Belfast late Sunday night.
EI-JFK becomes VQ-BEQ
On Tuesday last, October 6, Aer Lingus A330-301 EI-JFK (msn 086) arrived back in Shannon from Bordeaux in the full colors of Vladivostok Avia. This evening the aircraft emerged from the Aer Lingus Airbus hangar wearing registration VQ-BEQ.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Will 5N-VNH be seen again ?
Although it arrived in Shannon for painting almost two weeks ago on September 26, Embraer ERJ 190 registered 5N-VNH has yet to depart the Lufthansa Aircraft Paint hangar. 5N-VNH was the third aircraft from the Virgin Nigeria fleet to be handled at LAPS as part of the airline's re branding into Nigerian Eagle Airlines, an airline which came into being when Virgin Atlantic decided to sever it's ties with the part owned subsidiary bearing it's name.
Nigerian Eagle was established on September 18 last with Virgin Atlantic retaining a 49% shareholding. The launch of the new airline hasn't been greeted with a universal voice of approval in Nigeria. Some saw Virgin Atlantic's role lending an air of respectability to an industry sullied by the corruption that plagued Nigeria Airways. Those same people now see Nigerian Eagle as a backward step in the development of a national carrier.
At the press briefing to unveil the new airline, the company's MD, Capt Dapo Olumide said that "We are painting the aircraft one by one. It is a gradual change; we will go from airport to airport and from region to region. It will take time and money, but I cannot tell you how much the entire re-branding will cost."
"We are realigning our regional route network and flying only commercially viable routes because we are not an NGO and our aim is to make money for our shareholders. However, our five-year flying plan also includes international routes to the United States of America and Europe, but for now we are concentrating on our domestic and regional operations," he explained. In relation to how the company would source working capital and service it's current debt portfolio, Olumide said "We have an investment package on the way right now and we are going to have private placement in the next six weeks. We are talking to other potential investors outside the country and the chief financial offer has just come back from a trip where he has had discussions with another country, not another airline."
This week however, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) has bizarrely filed a petition at the Federal High Court in Lagos urging it to change the name of Virgin Nigeria to Nigeria Eagle Airlines Limited. GTB had previously sought the winding up of the company over it's inability to service a loan of $9.2m. In the petition lodged with the High Court, GTB alleges that the airline changed it's name without the knowledge of the bank.
Although the painting of 5N-VNH was completed over a week ago the aircraft made it's first trip into daylight this morning in the colors of Nigerian Eagle when it was briefly towed out of the LAPS hangar to facilitate the towing inside of B737 OK-GCE. With the B737 inside the ERJ190 quickly followed it. The final fate of 'VNH may well rest with a court decision in Lagos.
Nigerian Eagle was established on September 18 last with Virgin Atlantic retaining a 49% shareholding. The launch of the new airline hasn't been greeted with a universal voice of approval in Nigeria. Some saw Virgin Atlantic's role lending an air of respectability to an industry sullied by the corruption that plagued Nigeria Airways. Those same people now see Nigerian Eagle as a backward step in the development of a national carrier.
At the press briefing to unveil the new airline, the company's MD, Capt Dapo Olumide said that "We are painting the aircraft one by one. It is a gradual change; we will go from airport to airport and from region to region. It will take time and money, but I cannot tell you how much the entire re-branding will cost."
"We are realigning our regional route network and flying only commercially viable routes because we are not an NGO and our aim is to make money for our shareholders. However, our five-year flying plan also includes international routes to the United States of America and Europe, but for now we are concentrating on our domestic and regional operations," he explained. In relation to how the company would source working capital and service it's current debt portfolio, Olumide said "We have an investment package on the way right now and we are going to have private placement in the next six weeks. We are talking to other potential investors outside the country and the chief financial offer has just come back from a trip where he has had discussions with another country, not another airline."
This week however, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) has bizarrely filed a petition at the Federal High Court in Lagos urging it to change the name of Virgin Nigeria to Nigeria Eagle Airlines Limited. GTB had previously sought the winding up of the company over it's inability to service a loan of $9.2m. In the petition lodged with the High Court, GTB alleges that the airline changed it's name without the knowledge of the bank.
Although the painting of 5N-VNH was completed over a week ago the aircraft made it's first trip into daylight this morning in the colors of Nigerian Eagle when it was briefly towed out of the LAPS hangar to facilitate the towing inside of B737 OK-GCE. With the B737 inside the ERJ190 quickly followed it. The final fate of 'VNH may well rest with a court decision in Lagos.
OK-GCE arrives in Shannon for paint
OK-GCE on finals to R24 on it's arrival from Ostrava
Shannon to lose daily NY connectivity
Further details on Aer Lingus plans for Shannon have come to light following last night's meeting in Shannon where the airline's chief executive Chrostoph Mueller addressed employees. The direct Shannon - New York service will be terminated from early next year. Instead, a three times weekly Shannon - Dublin - New York service will be operated crewed by Dublin based staff. The remainaing 34 cabin crew in Shannon will be used to operate the three times daily Shannon - Heathrow service.
Opposition party Fine Gael were quick to respond to the announcement. The party's DeputySpokesman on Foreign Affiars and local TD (MP), Pat Breen said that “The airline is effectively wiping out its trans-Atlantic base at the airport with three quarters of cabin crew set to lose their jobs. Once again Shannon staff are being scapegoated by Aer Lingus.
“I understand that bookings for the Shannon/New York service to the end of March 2010 are ahead of bookings on their Dublin/JFK service. This calls into question the decision by Aer Lingus to reduce its Shannon operations."
“Reducing the New York service to a thrice-weekly flight out of Dublin Airport will have serious consequences for the business and tourism sectors in the mid west. Daily connectivity to the US is essential to retain the region’s competitiveness,” added Mr Breen.
Opposition party Fine Gael were quick to respond to the announcement. The party's DeputySpokesman on Foreign Affiars and local TD (MP), Pat Breen said that “The airline is effectively wiping out its trans-Atlantic base at the airport with three quarters of cabin crew set to lose their jobs. Once again Shannon staff are being scapegoated by Aer Lingus.
“I understand that bookings for the Shannon/New York service to the end of March 2010 are ahead of bookings on their Dublin/JFK service. This calls into question the decision by Aer Lingus to reduce its Shannon operations."
“Reducing the New York service to a thrice-weekly flight out of Dublin Airport will have serious consequences for the business and tourism sectors in the mid west. Daily connectivity to the US is essential to retain the region’s competitiveness,” added Mr Breen.
BA to go twice daily on LCY-JFK
With it's second A318 aircraft having been delivered to British Airways the carrier is increasing frequency on the LCY-SNN-JFK-LCY route to twice daily from Tuesday next October 13. BAW 003 will depart London's docklands at 16:00, arriving in JFK at 20:25. The return, BAW 004 departs JFK at 21:50, arriving in London City at 10:25, all times local.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Sky Handling Partner to lay off 26 at Shannon
Sky Handling Partner which employs 350 at Shannon and Dublin airports announced today that it was making 26 of it's Shannon staff redundant. The announcement is further bad news for the town in a week when Aer Lingus announced 102 redundancies, Technotree announced 80 and GE money announced 50 job losses.
Ryanair protester strikes again !
John Foley has proven beyond doubt that there's nothing like a father's love for his daughter. Back in July he interrupted the final day's play in the first test match between England and Australia in protest over Ryanair's treatment of his daughter. Foley claimed that she had paid for her training at the airline only to have her contract terminated almost immediately afterward. Today John Foley, complete with a protest banner climbed onto the roof of the Ryanair training center at Bishop Stortford near Stansted Airport. With the assistance of the fire service he voluntarily ended his protest just after noon and was arrested for 'numerous offences'. Before beginning his rooftop ascent Foley had called the 'Observer' newspaper to announce "They are training the children to terminate them and it's got to stop".
Aer Lingus seeking 102 Shannon redundancies
Following yesterday's announcement on the cost improvement plan to secure the airline's future, Aer Lingus held briefing meetings with staff at both Cork and Shannon today. At the Shannon meeting attended by the airline's chief executive Christoph Mueller and corporate affairs director Enda Corneille staff were told that the company is seeking 102 redundancies out of 130 cabin crew based at the mid west airport. Staff were also told at the meeting that the company's long haul product is where the problem lies. Speaking to RTE news after the meeting Enda Corneille said that if the cost improvement program didn't deliver there was a very real threat to the company's long haul services from both Shannon and Dublin.
In further fallout from yesterday's announcement, Ryanair chief executive called on the government to explain why it had refused Ryanair's last offer which would have doubled the size of the Aer Lingus fleet and added 1,000 jobs.
In further fallout from yesterday's announcement, Ryanair chief executive called on the government to explain why it had refused Ryanair's last offer which would have doubled the size of the Aer Lingus fleet and added 1,000 jobs.
IAA issues September traffic figures
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) today issued it's traffic statistics for the month of September. The majority of the IAA's revenue is generated on the North Atlantic rather than terminal traffic at the three state airports. The IAA points out in it's monthly summary that this source of revenue has been hit disproportionately by the current economic woes with mainland European traffic suffering to a lesser extent.
For the month of September, overflights totaled 24,841down 8.2% on the same month last year. North Atlantic HF communications at 33,863 were down 8.7% YoY. Whilst the general downturn in the airline business will have contributed to the September drop it should be noted that for significant periods during the month the North Atlantic Track System didn't incorporate Irish airspace due to weather patterns.
At Dublin Airport, commercial traffic movements totaled 14,288 representing a YoY drop of 18.5%. At Cork the figure was 2,228 down 28.6% YoY whilst at Shannon the total for the month was 2,467 down 13.3%.
For the month of September, overflights totaled 24,841down 8.2% on the same month last year. North Atlantic HF communications at 33,863 were down 8.7% YoY. Whilst the general downturn in the airline business will have contributed to the September drop it should be noted that for significant periods during the month the North Atlantic Track System didn't incorporate Irish airspace due to weather patterns.
At Dublin Airport, commercial traffic movements totaled 14,288 representing a YoY drop of 18.5%. At Cork the figure was 2,228 down 28.6% YoY whilst at Shannon the total for the month was 2,467 down 13.3%.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Aer Lingus traffic figures for September
Aer Lingus today released it's traffic figures for the month of September.
Passenger numbers for the month were 960,00 which represents a 4.1% YoY growth. Short haul passengers were 874,000, up 7.4% YoY on September 2008. Long haul services carried just 86,000 a 20.4% YoY decrease.
Network load factor grew 2.5% YoY to 77.5% while capacity shrank 7.6%. Short haul load factor was 80.8%, up 1% YoY, capacity growing 7.7%. On long haul, load factor was 71.6%, up 2.7% YoY with capacity reducing 26.9%.
Passenger numbers for the month were 960,00 which represents a 4.1% YoY growth. Short haul passengers were 874,000, up 7.4% YoY on September 2008. Long haul services carried just 86,000 a 20.4% YoY decrease.
Network load factor grew 2.5% YoY to 77.5% while capacity shrank 7.6%. Short haul load factor was 80.8%, up 1% YoY, capacity growing 7.7%. On long haul, load factor was 71.6%, up 2.7% YoY with capacity reducing 26.9%.
Aer Lingus announces cost reduction plan
Aer Lingus today bit the bullet it has long found distasteful and announced a significant cost reduction plan designed to ensure the airline's survival. The plan is comprised of two elements.
The first element is designed to deliver savings in non fuel operating costs of €97m by the end of 2011 and tackle legacy work practices to allow the airline compete against "a peer group with significantly lower operating costs". The figure comprises staff related savings of €74m and non staff savings of €23m. Operations staff are the main target of this element with pay and staff numbers in support areas suffering to a lesser extent.
The second element of the plan is designed to deliver revenue growth, improved customer service through business process improvements. The company intends to distance itself from it's traditional dependency on the Irish consumer through the use of an Airline Operating Certificate (AOC) in the UK from it's Gatwick base where costs are 40% lower than Dublin.
The company says that although staff costs have reduced in recent years the underlying trend shows current costs to be "significantly out of line with peers". As a result the company is introducing banded pay cuts to all employees earning in excess of €35,000 per annum.
Reductions in flight schedules and changes in work practices are expected to yield a surplus of 489 flight crew and support staff, this figure being in addition to approximately 100 staff who have been informed that they will be let go by year end. The company hopes that the redundancies will be voluntary but hasn't ruled out compulsory layoffs to make the numbers. In addition, if the rate of delivery of cost improvement fails to meet the projected milestones, the airline has committed to additional headcount reductions "to ensure the continued viability of Aer Lingus". The black hole in the company's pension fund is also being addressed with a new defined contribution scheme being introduced.
The second element of the plan involves overhauling the company's IT infrastructure. Improved productivity will reduce head office headcount by 40% by the end of 2011. In total, 238 head office staff will be made redundant, made up of 51 in element one and 187 in element two.
Aer Lingus says that it will now enter a six week consultation period with it's employees, unions and pension fund trustees which it hopes to conclude by November 18. The union response has been somewhat predictable. SIPTU has said that it will not accept pay cuts for it's members and will take whatever steps are necessary to protect it's members. IMPACT which represents cabin crew described the cuts as punitive.
The first element is designed to deliver savings in non fuel operating costs of €97m by the end of 2011 and tackle legacy work practices to allow the airline compete against "a peer group with significantly lower operating costs". The figure comprises staff related savings of €74m and non staff savings of €23m. Operations staff are the main target of this element with pay and staff numbers in support areas suffering to a lesser extent.
The second element of the plan is designed to deliver revenue growth, improved customer service through business process improvements. The company intends to distance itself from it's traditional dependency on the Irish consumer through the use of an Airline Operating Certificate (AOC) in the UK from it's Gatwick base where costs are 40% lower than Dublin.
The company says that although staff costs have reduced in recent years the underlying trend shows current costs to be "significantly out of line with peers". As a result the company is introducing banded pay cuts to all employees earning in excess of €35,000 per annum.
Reductions in flight schedules and changes in work practices are expected to yield a surplus of 489 flight crew and support staff, this figure being in addition to approximately 100 staff who have been informed that they will be let go by year end. The company hopes that the redundancies will be voluntary but hasn't ruled out compulsory layoffs to make the numbers. In addition, if the rate of delivery of cost improvement fails to meet the projected milestones, the airline has committed to additional headcount reductions "to ensure the continued viability of Aer Lingus". The black hole in the company's pension fund is also being addressed with a new defined contribution scheme being introduced.
The second element of the plan involves overhauling the company's IT infrastructure. Improved productivity will reduce head office headcount by 40% by the end of 2011. In total, 238 head office staff will be made redundant, made up of 51 in element one and 187 in element two.
Aer Lingus says that it will now enter a six week consultation period with it's employees, unions and pension fund trustees which it hopes to conclude by November 18. The union response has been somewhat predictable. SIPTU has said that it will not accept pay cuts for it's members and will take whatever steps are necessary to protect it's members. IMPACT which represents cabin crew described the cuts as punitive.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
EI-JFK returns to Shannon in Vladivostok Avia colors
Airbus A330-301 registered EI-JFK returned to Shannon tonight from Bordeaux as EIN 2507, arriving at approximately 20:25 utc. The aircraft has been painted in Vladivostok Avia colors in preparation for delivery following lease handback from Aer Lingus. It operated it's last revenue service for Aer Lingus on August 12 last, routing JFK-SNN. Two days later it was ferried to Chateauxroux in France. Like sister ship EI-EWR, 'JFK will be going on the Bermudan register on delivery to Vladivostok.
G-SAAW on medical diversion to Shannon
B737-8Q8 registered G-SAAW starts it's take off roll on Shannon's R24 this morning.
October is not yet a week old but so far this month Shannon has had three medical diversions. This morning's flyglobespan flight GSM 661 routing Glasgow International to Tenerife Sur was the latest aircraft to divert, arriving at 08:42 utc. The flight, pictured above, departed Shannon again at 10:06 utc using flight number GSM 661A.CAR and IAA regulatory functions to be amalgamated
The Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has announced that the functions of the Commission for Aviation Regulation and the regulatory functions of the Irish Aviation Authority are to be amalgamated with the new National Transport Authority which is be established shortly. The NTA will come into being once the Public Transport Regulation Bill is signed into law. The Irish Aviation Authority will in future concentrate it's activities on the provision of Air Traffic Control services. It would appear that the Air Accident Investigation Unit of the Dept. of Transport will be unaffected by the establishment of the NTA.
Monday, October 5, 2009
DAA's Collier number 3 in state pay ranks
The Sunday Independent newspaper has listed the top earning CEOs of the state monopolies which run the country. In third place behind the ESB (Electricity Supply Board) and The HSE (Health Service Executive) comes the DAA's (Dublin Airport Authority) Declan Collier who has been heavily criticized for the heavy remuneration package which he enjoys. According to the Sunday Independent, Mr. Collier's basic salary €348,000 per year or €29,000 per month. When all the bonuses, pension entitlements and perks are added in, Mr. Collier's total benefits reach €638,000 per year paid for by the Irish taxpayer, a figure which is almost double that of US President Barack Obama's salary. Speaking to the Sunday Independent, Ryanair chief executive described Collier as 'a mere waste of space'. He said: "Collier is nothing more than a waste of space, who gets rewarded with almost €700,000 a year. The DAA has been bankrupted by the abortive second terminal that nobody wants. He is overseeing the demise of Dublin Airport and, what's worse, Lenihan ( Minister for Finance) appoints him to the board of AIB (Allied Irish Banks) as a public interest director. Totally ludicrous, but unfortunately utterly predictable for this useless Government."
N347AN / AAL 41 in medical diversion
N347AN on finals to Shannon's R24 this afternoon.
This afternoon's American Airlines flight AAL41 from Paris Charles deGaulle to Chicago O'Hare diverted into Shannon with a sick passenger. The flight was west of Shannon but turned back to land on R24 at 14:56 utc. One unit of the Shannon Airport Fire and Rescue service was on hand to monitor brake temperatures as the aircraft, B767-323ER N347AN taxied to stand 37 where it was met by a doctor and ambulance. The aircraft departed Shannon again at 17:08 utc. Today's diversion was the second AAL in less than a week, the company's flight AAL132 having diverted into Shannon on Friday morning last.Aer Lingus punctuality statistics for Septmber
Aer Lingus has published it's punctuality statistics for September. For the month 89% of flights departed on time with 99% departing within 60 minutes of scheduled. The figures represent the company's best performance in over four years.
Is the BBC preparing to air Ryanair Hatchet Job ?
The BBC's Panorama program is preparing to air a program entitled 'Why Hate Ryanair?' on Monday next October 12. On Friday last Ryanair took the opportunity at a press conference in London to release ongoing correspondence between the airline and the BBC. At the end of August the Panorama team requested an interview with Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary as part of the program content, a request which was initially refused by Ryanair as it felt that it would only contribute to the controversy stirred up by minority interest groups being facilitated by the broadcaster. Following this refusal the BBC requested permission to attend the Ryanair AGM on September 24 last, a request which was also refused by Ryanair's Stephen McNamara who said that the company had 'no intention of facilitating yet another BBC hatchet job'.
By September 23 the 'Times' newspaper had gotten wind of the story and the fact that the BBC had sent someone along to a recent Airbus press conference with the sole intention of getting Airbus chief Operating Officer John Leahy to make disparaging remarks about Michael O'Leary and Ryanair walking away from a potential deal in 2001. The 'Times' article caused a 'volte face' at Ryanair who informed the BBC that Michael O'Leary would agree to appear on the program provided that the interview was broadcast live or broadcast in an un-cut prerecorded state.
The next day, September 24 the BBC team flew to Dublin to meet with Michael O'Leary but refused to Ryanair's request for a live or uncensored interview. It would appear that the meeting ended with Michael O'Leary feeling the need to clarify facts in relation to two points raised by the BBC - the Airbus deal and Ryanair's charges.
O'Leary said in his letter that the facts of the matter do not back up the BBC claim that he 'shook hands' on a deal with Airbus on January 11 2002 and then walked away. A fax received from Airbus offering better terms on January 21 confirmed that no deal had taken place on the earlier date. In relation to 'hidden fees', O'Leary's letter to the BBC points out that the airline has no hidden charges with passengers able to decline any services that they do not wish to avail of.
Not missing a beat, Michael O'Leary summed up his letter to the Panorama team by berating them for their travel policy - "Finally, as an organisation funded by licence payers, shame on you for travelling to Dublin today with British Midland and wasting yet more licence fee income, when you could have flown on Ryanair from Gatwick, Stansted or Luton, at a fraction of the high fares charged by British Midland and with fewer delays or no lost bags either."
Panorama wrote to Ryanair on September 25 confirming that it would not in principle agree to the airline's request for either a live or un edited interview with Michael O'Leary. Following a further number of contacts between both parties the BBC stated that it would clearly state in the program that Ryanair did not close a deal with Airbus that they "understood clearly that Ryanair insist they do not have any hidden charges. We do not intend to to make false claims about Ryanair but to describe and attempt to analyse it's remarkable success, and to see whether some commonly made criticisms leveled at it stand up or not, which is why our working title is "Why hate Ryanair?" ".
The BBC website has a teaser for the program at Panorama but the clip is 'Not available in your area' when viewed from Ireland.
By September 23 the 'Times' newspaper had gotten wind of the story and the fact that the BBC had sent someone along to a recent Airbus press conference with the sole intention of getting Airbus chief Operating Officer John Leahy to make disparaging remarks about Michael O'Leary and Ryanair walking away from a potential deal in 2001. The 'Times' article caused a 'volte face' at Ryanair who informed the BBC that Michael O'Leary would agree to appear on the program provided that the interview was broadcast live or broadcast in an un-cut prerecorded state.
The next day, September 24 the BBC team flew to Dublin to meet with Michael O'Leary but refused to Ryanair's request for a live or uncensored interview. It would appear that the meeting ended with Michael O'Leary feeling the need to clarify facts in relation to two points raised by the BBC - the Airbus deal and Ryanair's charges.
O'Leary said in his letter that the facts of the matter do not back up the BBC claim that he 'shook hands' on a deal with Airbus on January 11 2002 and then walked away. A fax received from Airbus offering better terms on January 21 confirmed that no deal had taken place on the earlier date. In relation to 'hidden fees', O'Leary's letter to the BBC points out that the airline has no hidden charges with passengers able to decline any services that they do not wish to avail of.
Not missing a beat, Michael O'Leary summed up his letter to the Panorama team by berating them for their travel policy - "Finally, as an organisation funded by licence payers, shame on you for travelling to Dublin today with British Midland and wasting yet more licence fee income, when you could have flown on Ryanair from Gatwick, Stansted or Luton, at a fraction of the high fares charged by British Midland and with fewer delays or no lost bags either."
Panorama wrote to Ryanair on September 25 confirming that it would not in principle agree to the airline's request for either a live or un edited interview with Michael O'Leary. Following a further number of contacts between both parties the BBC stated that it would clearly state in the program that Ryanair did not close a deal with Airbus that they "understood clearly that Ryanair insist they do not have any hidden charges. We do not intend to to make false claims about Ryanair but to describe and attempt to analyse it's remarkable success, and to see whether some commonly made criticisms leveled at it stand up or not, which is why our working title is "Why hate Ryanair?" ".
The BBC website has a teaser for the program at Panorama but the clip is 'Not available in your area' when viewed from Ireland.
Ryanair's September traffic figures
Ryanair today issued it's traffic figures for September 2009. The airline carried a total of 6.12m passengers for the month which represents a 17% YoY increase over September 2008 when 5.23m were carried. Load Factor grew 1% YoY for the month to 85%. For the rolling 12 months to the end of September the airline has carried 63.3m passengers which represents a load factor of 82%.
Friday, October 2, 2009
N774AN diverts into Shannon
This morning's American Airlines flight AAL 142 routing from New York JFK to London Heathrow diverted into Shannon. The flight operated by B777-223 registered N774AN departed Shannon for Heathrow at 08:12 utc.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
STP Airways S9-DBY in Euro Atlantic colors
S9-DBY in the newly applied colors of Euro Atlantic Airways outside the Shannon Aerospace hangars today.
Hangar 6 at Shannon Aerospace is normally occupied by a B767 of one operator or another with Martinair being one of the main customers. With the recent hand back of a number of the Dutch operator's aircraft it was obvious that some new aircraft would appear to fill the slot. STP Airways of Sao Tome and Principe recently sent two nose to tail aircraft to SA for attention. The first was S9-DBW (msn 25411) which arrived on September 6 to be followed by S9-DBY (msn 26208) one week later. Both arrived in anonymous white but this morning S9-DBY appeared outside the hangar in the full colors of part owner Portuguese operator Euro Atlantic Airways.
Cattle airlift from Shannon to Albania
The Wexford branch of Irish Charity Bothar, meaning road are organising an airlift of 70 in calf livestock from Shannon to Albania on October 15 next. Over the past 15 years, the Wexford branch of Bothar has sent a total of 1,500 cattle to needy communities around the world. Earlier this year in February, the Tipperary branch of Bothar shipped 210 cattle in three shipments to Kosovo. Transport for that airlift was provided by Air Charter Express of Ghana using Dc8 aircraft.
Ryanair cancel Osijek service due to 70% load factor
A report in Croatia's Glas Slavonije sheds some interesting light on Ryanair's business model. The airline has decided after 5 1/2 months of operation on the Osijek - Hahn route to end the service for the winter since load factors were only 70%, a figure which would please most legacy carriers. As of September 27, a total of 10,000 passengers had traveled on the route. Osijek Airport and Ryanair signed a 5 year mutual cooperation agreement prior to the service commening on May 6 this year, an agreement which allows both parties freedom to review their mutual decisions.
IAA introduces on line flight plan filing
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) today introduced an on line flight plan filing service. In order to file a plan, pilots must first register their details with the IAA. The relevant web page is On-Line Plan
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
5Y-KQP arrives in Shannon for maintenance
5Y-KQP pictured at the Shannon Aerospace hangar this morning
A late night arrival last at Shannon last night was Kenya Airways B767-38E registered 5Y-KQP. The aircraft arrived from Aalborg in Denmark at 23.45 utc and parked up at the Shannon Aerospace hangars. Kenya Airways has been an occasional customer at SA in recent years with both B767 and B737 aircraft being worked on.
Passing Moment (Part 5) N580UP delivered to UPS
N580UP operating delivery flight UPS 9131 this morning passes overhead Barefield Co. Clare at FL430.
Westbound aircraft transiting Irish airspace while the eastbound North Atlantic flow is still in progress tend to cause curiosity levels to rise. Such was the case this morning when a 4 engined wide body was noted approaching overhead Barefield, Co. Clare heading in the direction of DOGAL. Curiosity levels rose further when it turned out that the aircraft, a B747 was at FL430, rather high for normal commercial operations. Investigation identified the aircraft as B747-428F registered N580UP operating flight UPS 9131 routing Luxembourg - Bangor - Roswell. N580UP is the first of four B747-400F aircraft which UPS are acquiring from Cargolux and up to yesterday was registered LX-ICV to the Luxembourg based freight carrier.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
JetBird raises €5m for launch
With the September start date for air taxi operations in Germany rapidly disappearing, the Sunday Times reports that JetBird has recently raised €5m from investors to pave the way for the company's startup. It is not clear who the investors are but the transaction was completed through a Cypriot based company. JetBird was founded by Domhnall Slattery who's company Claret Capital has retrenched in recent months due to a number of unsuccessful investments. In an interview with the Irish Times several weeks ago, Slattery said that the start up of JetBird was absolutely critical for his own personal reputation. In July the company was forecasting four Embraer Phenom deliveries during September with a total of ten aircraft based in Germany by year end. These figures have been revised downward to four aircraft by year end. Although JetBird has had a booking 'simulator' running on it's website since earlier this summer the system is still not accepting 'real' bookings.
G-EUNA inaugurates BAW 1 from LCY to JFK
Flight BAW 001, operated by G-EUNA on finals to Shannon's R24 this lunchtime
It is six years since the 'Speedbird 1' call sign was retired with the last Concorde operations, but today it was brought back to life when British Airway's new premium only London City to JFK service took to the air. Flight BAW 1 departed London's dockland at 11.50 utc and just over one hour later it touched down on Shannon's R24 at 12.54 utc. Taxiing to it's stand the flight was greeted by the Shannon Airport Fire & Rescue Service who provided the traditional water cannon salute.
British Airways Chief Executive Officer Willie Walsh predicted that the service will be profitable within it's first year of operation and was among the passengers on the first flight commanded by Capt. Dave Thomas.
G-EUNA receives the water cannon on the Shannon ramp, copyright picture by Malcolm Nason
The new service is to be operated by two specially configured A318-112 aircraft, the first of which registered G-EUNA was delivered to the airline on August 28 last. In the interim the aircraft has been used for crew training purposes at London City Airport. The eventual pilot pool strength will reach sixty pilots once the second aircraft is delivered. Until the second aircraft is delivered the flight schedule will operate on a daily return basis, except Saturday when LCY Airport is closed. From mid October the schedule increases to two return flights per day, except Saturday. Flight BAW 1 departs LCY at 12.50 with BAW 2 departing JFK at 6.30 pm. Flight BAW 3 will depart LCY at 4.00 pm with the return departing JFK at 9.50 pm, all times local. Since the aircraft have been equipped as the 'airborne office' the service is being targeted at the frequent City business traveler who needs to be constantly contactable.
The A318 aircraft are configured with 32 lie flat seats
The short runway length at LCY prevents the A318 from uploading the full fuel load required to make LCY-JFK in one leg. As a result the flight has to make a fuel stop at Shannon on the westbound leg only. Whilst laying over at Shannon for the 45 minute stop the passengers clear full US Immigration, Customs and Border Protection so that they land in the US as domestic passengers, thus avoiding the lengthy queues in JFK.
The Shannon stopover is also being used by BA to 'slip' a crew. The airline's flight crew are based at London's Gatwick Airport where their working day begins. To avoid the possibility of a crew being out of hours by the time they reach JFK due to en route delays at LCY or SNN the airline is 'slipping' a crew at Shannon.
In June, Lufthansa Technik subsidiary Shannon Aerospace announced that it would be providing line maintenance for the BA service at Shannon.
Monday, September 28, 2009
AAIU report into crash of EI-SBM
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport has published it's report into the crash of Agusta A109E registered EI-SBM at Dunshaughlin Co. Meath on March 20 2008. On the date of the crash, the pilot of the helicopter and sole occupant was en route from Celtic Heliport in Knocksedan Co. Dublin to Weston Aerodrome Co. Kildare. En route he advised Dublin ATC that he was approaching Dunshaughlin. Shortly afterwards he again called ATC advising that he had a problem, immediately reported that he would have to make an emergency landing and called 'Mayday'. The helicopter landed in boggy ground and rolled onto it's left side. Due to the complete inaccessibility of the crash site the Dublin based Irish coastguard helicopter was used to airlift the pilot to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co. Louth. The pilot suffered severe back injuries in the crash.
As part of the investigation the pilot was interviewed twice by the AAIU team. In his interviews the pilot recalled that he was flying on autopilot at an altitude of 800ft and at a speed of 120 kts. Winds were gusting from the SW at 30-35 kts with 6-8 km visibility. Approaching Dunshaughlin he heard a loud bang from the rear of the helicopter at which point the nose pitched up and yawed violently to the right. He immediately disengaged the auto pilot (AP) and applied full left pedal to counteract the yaw but this had no effect. The pilot believed that he had lost tail rotor control so he lowered the collective to see if it would counteract the yaw, an action which would also drop the airspeed. As the helicopter drifted towards Dunshaughlin the pilot applied power in an attempt to get the craft clear of the built up area. Once clear he entered into an autorotation, shut down both engines and lowered the undercarriage. He recalled that the helicopter was spinning at such a rate that the centrifugal force pushed him back into his seat as he attempted to reach the undercarriage lever. As the radio altimeter reached 50ft the pilot attempted to flare the craft. The next thing he remembers is lying on the ground 3 to 4m from the helicopter, looking at it lying on its side, unaware of the circumstances of the impact or how he got out.
The initial AAIU investigation at the crash site found some cleaning cloth material entangled on the long tail rotor drive shaft between the first and second bearing. It also found that the drive shaft was completely severed forward of the second bearing, thus cutting off drive to the tail rotor gearbox. In researching the maintenance history of EI-SBM the investigation team found that the helicopter which was normally kept at Weston Aerodrome was ferried to Celtic Helicopters at Knocksedan Heliport on February 4 2008 for it's annual 300 hr maintenance check. This check was completed on March 5 2008, on which date two post maintenance test flights were performed prior to it's ferry back to Weston where normal operations commenced the next day. Over the next twelve days, a total of sixty flights were made, all which were flown by the pilot. During this time the helicopter was hangared at Weston where there is no maintenance facility available to the operator. On March 20 the pilot flew to Knocksedan to have new engine fire bottles fitted as these had not been available when the earlier check was carried out, loan bottles having been fitted. A tail rotor crack inspection was also carried out in compliance with an Airworthiness Directive.
The Agusta flight manual requires that the tail drive shaft bearings be inspected each day under the heading of 'First Flight of the Day'. This requires opening of the fairing that covers the tail long drive shaft. The pilot confirmed to the investigation team that he had carried out his check on March 18 and March 19 but did not find any cloth material.
In examing the failed drive shaft the investigating team concluded that the shaft had failed as a result of metal fatigue arising from the eccentric loading caused by the cleaning cloth which had become entangled in the drive shaft. Although several possibilities are mooted, the team were unable to determine when and by whom the cleaning cloth was left in the area of the drive shaft.
In relation to the experience of the pilot when the sudden failure occurred the AAIU noted that the pilot had completed his type training two years before a simulator was available in Europe. This meant that his training for certain types of emergencies could only be carried out on a real helicopter thus restricting the type of emergencies which could be practiced.
This final report carries two safety recommendations :
The European Aviation Safety Agency should strongly encourage all helicopter pilots to undergo simulator training, where available on their Initial Type Rating course and thereafter, to undertake emergency training when training for it's revalidation.
That the Irish Aviation Authority issue a Notice to maintenance organisations in relation to the control of tools and materials used during maintenance in accordance with the requirements of JAR 145.
As part of the investigation the pilot was interviewed twice by the AAIU team. In his interviews the pilot recalled that he was flying on autopilot at an altitude of 800ft and at a speed of 120 kts. Winds were gusting from the SW at 30-35 kts with 6-8 km visibility. Approaching Dunshaughlin he heard a loud bang from the rear of the helicopter at which point the nose pitched up and yawed violently to the right. He immediately disengaged the auto pilot (AP) and applied full left pedal to counteract the yaw but this had no effect. The pilot believed that he had lost tail rotor control so he lowered the collective to see if it would counteract the yaw, an action which would also drop the airspeed. As the helicopter drifted towards Dunshaughlin the pilot applied power in an attempt to get the craft clear of the built up area. Once clear he entered into an autorotation, shut down both engines and lowered the undercarriage. He recalled that the helicopter was spinning at such a rate that the centrifugal force pushed him back into his seat as he attempted to reach the undercarriage lever. As the radio altimeter reached 50ft the pilot attempted to flare the craft. The next thing he remembers is lying on the ground 3 to 4m from the helicopter, looking at it lying on its side, unaware of the circumstances of the impact or how he got out.
The initial AAIU investigation at the crash site found some cleaning cloth material entangled on the long tail rotor drive shaft between the first and second bearing. It also found that the drive shaft was completely severed forward of the second bearing, thus cutting off drive to the tail rotor gearbox. In researching the maintenance history of EI-SBM the investigation team found that the helicopter which was normally kept at Weston Aerodrome was ferried to Celtic Helicopters at Knocksedan Heliport on February 4 2008 for it's annual 300 hr maintenance check. This check was completed on March 5 2008, on which date two post maintenance test flights were performed prior to it's ferry back to Weston where normal operations commenced the next day. Over the next twelve days, a total of sixty flights were made, all which were flown by the pilot. During this time the helicopter was hangared at Weston where there is no maintenance facility available to the operator. On March 20 the pilot flew to Knocksedan to have new engine fire bottles fitted as these had not been available when the earlier check was carried out, loan bottles having been fitted. A tail rotor crack inspection was also carried out in compliance with an Airworthiness Directive.
The Agusta flight manual requires that the tail drive shaft bearings be inspected each day under the heading of 'First Flight of the Day'. This requires opening of the fairing that covers the tail long drive shaft. The pilot confirmed to the investigation team that he had carried out his check on March 18 and March 19 but did not find any cloth material.
In examing the failed drive shaft the investigating team concluded that the shaft had failed as a result of metal fatigue arising from the eccentric loading caused by the cleaning cloth which had become entangled in the drive shaft. Although several possibilities are mooted, the team were unable to determine when and by whom the cleaning cloth was left in the area of the drive shaft.
In relation to the experience of the pilot when the sudden failure occurred the AAIU noted that the pilot had completed his type training two years before a simulator was available in Europe. This meant that his training for certain types of emergencies could only be carried out on a real helicopter thus restricting the type of emergencies which could be practiced.
This final report carries two safety recommendations :
The European Aviation Safety Agency should strongly encourage all helicopter pilots to undergo simulator training, where available on their Initial Type Rating course and thereafter, to undertake emergency training when training for it's revalidation.
That the Irish Aviation Authority issue a Notice to maintenance organisations in relation to the control of tools and materials used during maintenance in accordance with the requirements of JAR 145.
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