Let me get this straight. You are saying that the only reason for carrying economy class passengers is to pay for the platform that supports First and Business?
YES!!!!
That is, I believe, the traditional basics of long-haul economics.
I would think that if it could work another way, then someone would be doing it.
Profits? I'm sure you've heard the old one about the only way to make a small fortune running an airline is to start off with a large one. Look at all the American long-haul carriers, most in free-fall, some in double-chapter-11.
The LOCOs claim to make profits, but I beleive that a certain Irish carrier has yet to pay a dividend, so the shareholders haven't seen any return, yet.
Handling Agents seem to cut each others throats paring returns to the bone
Perhaps the oil companies make a profit out of selling fuel.
The Odd One