Aer Lingus 'changes' business model

Summary
- moving away from being a totally 'low cost' airline
- launching a franchise agreement with Aer Arann for regional flights
- shift towards easyJet's model
- build reputation as Ireland's 'civilised airline'
- airline returned to profitability late 2009 (too late to make a full year profit though)
- airline aims to rejoin an airline alliance

Article

Another article

I really want Aer Lingus so survive, but this reminds me more of bmi's strategy which has been pretty disastrous, than easyJets.

I would like to see Aer Lingus remove that stupid handling charge on reservations. It's underhand and pointless, given that they also charge card fees. (Not that that will make a big difference)

And still the devil on their back, O' Leary is never too far away...

quote:Originally posted by Sealink

It's underhand and pointless, given that they also charge card fees. (Not that that will make a big difference)


Do they charge for the privilege of using their own credit card as well [?]

Now that would be ridiculous and a smack in the face to loyalty [:I]

[:?]

quote:Originally posted by Sealink
- build reputation as Ireland's 'civilised airline'


I think this is a sensible move. Differentiate rather than follow the herd.

quote:
- airline aims to rejoin an airline alliance


Wonder if that will be *A?

They are already codesharing with UA on some routes, and with BMI having gone lame duck, it would likely fill some holes appearing in the *A footprint in this neck of the woods.

Mike