Thomas cook haven’t had a good week announcing 2018 profits much less than expected and share price Nearly at an all time low.
So the positives for NCL are that we can’t have solely contributed to the group’s poor performance AND at least the operation here was profitable (albeit other bases were more profitable).
The empty seats this summer ties in with their trading update - hot summer and world
Cup so people staying at home or booking late. I was surprised at the number of empty seats on a BY 757 to RHO in 2000 mid summer but that flight continues to operate today.
However, IIRC in 2001 when JMC and First Choice “colluded” to shut the Ncl AIr 2000 base and just share the JMC 757, Thomson responded by basing a 767 and increased this in 2003 to a 763.
So, perhaps TUI or Jet2 will respond by increasing capacity.
reports have suggested that the 7/14 night holiday has died over recent years and flexible durations were the way to go. If TC aren't able to do this anymore from NCL with only 2 aircraft may get more difficult for them.
But, I’m not sure if the massive debt that A former MD loaded the airport with is still there but it would be interesting to know if this affects the airports ability to offer incentives to operators.