Originally Posted by
JW95
Seems sensible to consolidate MCO to LGW, given that it's always been a more leisure-focused destination.
What I'd be interested to find out is whether, by 2023, we might see VS back at LGW again? MCO, along with Virgin's Caribbean network had always been based at Gatwick prior to 2020, but I'm wondering whether these routes might return to LGW, allowing VS to (a) utilise their LGW slots with their own metal and (b) optimise their LHR slot utilisation with less-leisure focused routes (JFK, LAX, AUS, SFO, IAD to name a few)? Surely they could make LGW work again with some leisure-configured A339s or the existing A333 fleet?
Both Virgin and BA can easily make LGW work as they had a rather cosy duopoly on a lot of routes. But Virgin have downsized with the B747s leaving and they might need their truncated fleet to hang onto their LHR slots, as there's some unwillingness in ATL for Delta to do too much of the JV flying as it's more expensive. Norse returning to LGW may be an incentive to them returning.