Aviation NE
madness?
or reasonable planning?
The pre-planning of the EK flights for out weighs any other operation currently at NCL. pre-positioning of the outbound cargo load so that the checking and then the loading sequence can be established etc. all takes time and SPACE and it is normal practice to complete this before the flight arrives on stand. NCL stands are not exactly spacious at the best of times so if NCL wants to play with the big boys then people had better get used to the fact that longhaul flights carrying good cargo loads do take up time and space within an overall schedule.
Having worked this product at various airports, at CDG for example, the pre loading starts at STD-4; the agents check and sequence their onload before the flight arrives so that they can achieve their turnround targets.
It's not madness, it's good practice and will been seen as a big plus if other long haul carriers come for a peak before making proposals for themselves.