[Anonymous]

[PatJordan]

In today’s post, I received a package from Aer Lingus. There was a letter from the CEO, Christophe Mueller thanking me (and all Gold Circle Elite members) for our support, and outlining future developments in Aer Lingus.

This was accompanied by a small gift: a Newbridge Silverware christmas tree decoration.

What a nice touch, especially during these recessionary times, and a welcome reminder that Aer Lingus values individual customers.

[canucklad]

Proof’s my point Pat…..

Well done EI…something tactile is more personable than e-card

A small relatively in-expensive gesture goes a hellva a way to consolidating Brand loyalty…

Pay attention to minor details, and the rest will follow.

Indulge in extravagant marketing and advertising, setting unreal expectations and you’re on the road to trouble…

[VintageKrug]

I do hope Ireland’s hard pressed taxpayers approve of such largesse.

[ImissConcorde]

With a handling charge of €6/£6 per sector I’m sure they can afford it. (€6 equates to £4.88 at today’s rate)
The hanging Christmas star costs €5 on the Newbridge website.

[traffic]

As an irish tax payer, I approve.
Well done Mr Mueller, doing a great job

[syclik5]

Why would the Irish taxpayer’s approval matter? The Irish taxpayer does not provide any money to Aer Lingus (unless, of course, they are buying airline tickets for that particular carrier)

[traffic]

approval doesnt really matter but doesnt the governemnt get a dividend as part of their shareholding?
PatJordan can you tell us what the future developments were?

[canucklad]

VK… What did BA send you this Christmas?

If this small gesture influences EI’s most valued customers to remain loyal to Aer Lingus its more of an investment….than an expenditure

Especially if BA have improved on the BD offering between DUB -LHR

[Travellator]

Canuklad – BA now offer CE from Dub to Lhr – but dont know why anyone would pay those prices for a 1 hour flight – that is unless they were desperate for 80 Tier Points.

Personally I think its time for EI to become a full service airline again and possibly rejoin One World ?

[SimonS1]

syclik5 – for the very reason that the airline is losing money. Who do you think covers these losses – the shareholders. Who owns about 25% of Aer Lingus – the Irish taxpayer.

Kerrching.

[FrDougal]

Simon, think you’ll find Aer Lingus is profitable and comfortably so considering the state of the Irish and European economy on a whole!!!!

Also just because the government owns 25%, that is simply a shareholding. EI is a private company and therefore does not benefit from taxpayers cash!

[PegasusAir]

VK: Surely EI is only 25% owned by the taxpayer – Ironically Ryanair own 29.9% so an unusual contribution from them. I agree with Canuckland – a nice gesture for valued customers.

[Papillion53]

Lovely surprise and if nothing else worth it’s weight as a marketing excercise as we’re all talking about them!

[syclik5]

SimonS1 – Aer Lingus is not losing money; it’s profitable (profit for the first 9 months of 2012 is 30% ahead of last year – http://corporate.aerlingus.com/media/aerlinguscom/content/pdfs/corporate/Q3_2012_IMS_7November_2012.pdf), and in fact it has €991 million in cash sitting on its balance sheet (the cash alone dwarfs the valuation put on the airline by Ryanair in their offer).

[Author]

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