Yes, the current plans for XL's summer 06 programme ex NCL is the opertion of the 737-400, as last year. As far as I am aware the a/c is currently flying out of other UK airports during the winter before returning to NCL for the summer. XL will also sublease the Finnair 757 that Air Scandic previously used. However, as we all know anything could change in the world of airlines, as I'm sure many airlines have still not finalised their programmes for the summer yet.
skyman771,
You are quite right the airport doesn't need extra desks for transatlantic services during the summer, but if you look at say the busiest day of the week, between about 0400-0900 there are a hell of alot of flights to checkin, indeed early departures remain largely unchanged in terms of number of flights. A typical saturday,
6 EZY 737
2 LS 737
2 BA
1 KL, SN, AF, FR
3 TOM 757/733
1 MYT 320
2 XLA 737/757
2 TCX 757
1 MON A330
1 FUA 737
1 Flybe 146/Dash 8
Thats 25+ flights within a couple of hours, all checking in together!!! As I said, more check in's needed, thats without transatlantic scheduled services, though I share in your tears skyman771!!!!!!!!