Aer Lingus is looking at regional jets in the 100-120 seat category. One recent report (which now appears incorrect) suggested that 7 E-195s had been ordered, but the airline's CEO - Christoph Mueller - is long known the believe that the A320 is too large for some of the airline's regional routes. The airline recently entered into an agreement with Aer Arann, which has proved successful - for Aer Lingus at least. Unfortunately, Aer Arann is now in serious financial difficulties and an Examiner has been appointed by the Irish High Court, which may ultmately result in the airline ceasing operations.
Basically, EI's big problem is FR ... if EI is going to go down the regional jet road, it has three choices:
(a) go for the A319, which will have commonality with the existing A320/321 fleets; the problem there is that the larger aircraft (320/321) are more efficient in seat mile costs - and the FR 738s definitely would be.
(b) the E-195 or CRJ-900/1000, i.e. a currently available regional jet. Probably better seat mile costs than the FR 738s and would certainly give FR a headache.
(c) wait for the Bombardier C-series (or similar new regional jet - such as the Superjet or MRJ) ... LH has recently said that the C-series would have better seat mile costs than the 380 or 748i; now that would certainly keep MO'L awake at night.
EI needs an aircraft that will help it to move into attack mode on regional UK and European routes, firstly to sustain growth and secondly, to establish its hub at DUB. It's not going to do this with A320s or A319s; the E-195 gives it a good chance, but the C-series offers a very good opportunity to do this.
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