Sir, Referring to Dory Horgan's letter of November 1st, on the timekeeping schedule of Aer Lingus and Alitalia I have just flown to Rome and back by Alitalia, and can only find words of praise on its behalf.
Sure, it does not leave on time but it makes up for this en route and arrives almost on time. The courtesy, attention and meals served with wine and free drinks are a far cry from any Aer Lingus service, in my experience.
I flew back on an A300 Airbus with 120 passengers and six flight attendants, and I would rate Alitalia service as second only to Delta Airline. Aer Lingus has a lot to learn, in particular the meaning of competition. Like the cuckoo, it gets rid of any airline which threatens its position (Pan, Am/TWA, etc.) and now even Ryanair, its sister airline, is being bullied.
Aer Lingus has always had Big Daddy and the Irish taxpayer to pay the deficit caused by its own lack of efficiency, courtesy and economic viability. So, viva Alitalia! - Yours, etc.,
Westport Road,
Castlebar,
Co. Mayo.