Originally Posted by
SWBKCB
Nobody has convincingly answered Flightriders central point - why did TCX pull out of STN?
Be careful - TCX have not pulled out of STN, it is the long-haul routes that have been dropped.
Most points have been covered for those wishing to read objectively but the point that’s not been highlighted is that STN long-haul never had a permanent aircraft. Services ran in May half term, 6-7 weeks in Jul/Aug and October half term. This meant shuttling A330s and crews down from MAN/Scotland/Scandinavia etc, and the origin of the A330s not having continuous service either. Therefore when you have finite resource it makes sense to focus that resource on a priority market.
I would argue though, as others are suggesting, that STN represents a better option for TCX longhaul to focus than LGW. It is effectively an open goal. At LGW they are up against competition on virtually all routes. Want to go to Orlando? Pick from BA/Virgin/Norwegian/TUI/TCX. From north of London? Nothing. It’s a market they could really exploit.