Archive for July, 2008
In the first of what many believe will be a sustained period of consolidation in the global aviation industry, British Airways confirmed today that it is holding talks on an $8bn merger with fellow oneworld alliance member and Spanish rival Iberia.
BA looks set to structure the proposed merger in a similar way to the KLM/AirFrance linkup in 2004 with an overall holding company operating two distinct airlines according to the guardian
The carriers would be run separately to stay within country specific regulations on the nationality of airlines on specific routes.
Former Aer Lingus CEO and current British Airways chief BA Chief Executive, Dublin-man Willie Walsh told reporters in Madrid today “We will have two airlines, two brands. The day-to-day business of the two airlines will continue as they are today,”
July 29th, 2008
On a very hot and humid Thursday, July 17, 2008, I was fortunate enough to attend a reception for An Taoiseach Brian Cowen, TD, in New York. It was held at the residence of Niall Burgess (consul general of Ireland in New York) and was in honor of the first official visit of Mr. Cowen to the US as prime minister. The event I attended was to introduce the leader of the Republic of Ireland to the travel trade in the USA who specialize in tourism to Ireland and also served as an opportunity for Mr. Cowen to reiterate the importance of tourism to the island of Ireland and the commitment of his administration to support tourism during such a challenging time.
July 26th, 2008
The Galway Races has become the greatest of all Irish Racing Festivals and probably the most lavish, colourful and sociable fixtures in the Irish Racing World. It is not only a great sporting event, but also a unique social occasion filled with atmosphere, passion and craic, and attracts both the true racegoer and socialites alike.
The excellent racing, oyster bars, champagne and beer tents, jazz bands, trade stands, race card competitions and even a best-dressed lady competition on Thursday, combine to ensure there is something for everyone and be part of what is truly an unforgettable experience.
Buses to and from Galway City to Race Course during races.
July 23rd, 2008
A report on RTE states how the CEO of Ireland based airline Ryanair (Europe’s largest air carrier) forsees major changes in the airline industry in the short term future.
Here’s what he had to say:
Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O’Leary says he believes in the next five years all European airlines will have merged with the big five airlines.
He said there would be no independent airlines such as Aer Lingus.
Mr O’Leary was appearing before the Joint Committee on Transport, which is considering air access to regions outside Dublin and fuel increase charges.
‘It would be better for Aer Lingus to be owned by a man from Mullingar who guarantees no fuel surcharges, than some anonymous person in Frankfurt or Paris’, he said.
July 16th, 2008