Originally Posted by
Bearpit
United have pulled the MAX from their schedules until 4th June now, so they're obviously taking a pessimistic view on when the aircraft will return. There must be a lot of airlines head-scratching over Christmas as to how to cover flights. Looking at other threads, it looks like Ryanair are making deeper cuts already. Interesting to see what TUI have up their sleeves, given the peak holiday booking period is just about to start.
Yes indeed, and that United Airlines decision concurs that it is likely improbable that TUI could slip the MAX back into the summer program if any approval of the MAX was in mid-summer.
FYI
You mention ''Peak time is just about to start'' - Yes I agree we have a busy Ski Flight season starting but that flying is at weekends only.
Xmas peak is only a couple of weeks really.
During the week popular winter destinations like Canaries, Egypt, Banjul, and Cape Verde see most of the flying. (Longer routes means the aircraft often will only do one rotation a day, compared to 2 or 3 in the Summer)
The aircraft as you know, are not as busy in the winter historically, and many go off for winter leases (quite normal) to other airlines, so the Peak flying period is MAY-SEPT, with JUL/AUG seeing the most usage.
This type of flying program has always seen the difficulty for Holiday airlines making good use year round of their fleets, and try to make money.