Originally Posted by shuttle_boy

Notwithstanding the difference in size and market conditions, there are many similarities between U's current situation and the challenges Aer lingus faced some time ago.

Both faced fierce competition from LCC in the local market. EI from Ryanair (who imported the WN model into Europe) and U from WN et al.

Both have a transatlantic operation and were members of larger global alliances. EI was in One World, U is now in *A.

Both fly a fleet of newer Airbus and older Boeing aircraft.

Both have a heavily unionized workforce.

Air lingus seems to have been able to morph into a quasi LCC in the local ( domestic and European market), and expand service in that market whilst retaining the transatlantic operation.

Indeed it seems that U is adopting many of the same tactics, simplified fare structure, greater emphasis on the internet as a channel of distribution, droping short and unprofitable routes, low cost marketing by slogan (EI Low fares, Way better. U No fees, No Brainer), repainting aircraft to publicise the web site etc. I know a lot of this is standard practice for the post 9/11 industry, but there seems to be enough similarities and EI was able to come back from the brink and is now profitable.