Aer Lingus being bought by Ryanair would be smart. If, and it's a big if, the vagaries of transatlantic aviation regulation can be managed. Long-haul equipment and routes utilizing a Dublin LCC hub might make for an interesting alternative, and goodness knows the European skies need those. It does seem like the sell-off IPO price that the Irish government set was likely too low, though, if Ryanair can turn around and do this deal so quickly. But these are smart guys, Aer Lingus has cut a whack of cost and it feels like it could work nicely.
Porter Airlines, the new Toronto Island, er, City Centre Airport-based outfit is set to fly shortly. Backed by Robert Deluce (of Air Ontario and Canada 3000 fame...I'd say that the only more jet-fuel-in-the-veins Canadian commercial aviation guy might have been the late Max Ward, although I would be hard pressed to put Deluce in that esteemed bucket for many, many reasons). They will be operating the new version of the Dash 8, the Bombardier Q400 and are coming to market with 20 flights daily between the Island and Montreal and Ottawa. The look-and-feel is all very boutique-hotel, with chocolate brown and sea blue, comments about "a Porter being someone who carries your bags" and a tagline of "Flying refined. (tm)."
Uh huh. Dudes, yer flying a Dash 8 from the Island, porter is thick beer and yer mascot is a racoon. For goodess sake, kids, get over yourselves.
Tags: aer lingus, ryanair, porter, goat rodeo
