Correct about swapping the MAN and LGW aircraft around on the MCO trips. What really has to be considered is the fact that unlike LHR, the LGW fleet all comes in during the morning, and all goes out in the morning, almost all on 2 hour turn arounds - rarely is there a layover aircraft that isn't already scheduled for a) a hangar check or b) empty ferry flight to MAN.
Gernerally, the last two flights that depart from LGW are both to MCO (the VS27/15) and more often than not are inbound from the Carribbean. Any delays from either the previous days departure to or inbound from outstation (either through tech, weather, medical, or pax/bag related) have normaly escalated enough to cause these routes to run late. Seemingly from the ASRs and diverts, LGW fleet has more than its fair share of medical diverts.
If everyone could see what its like to board a Montego Bay - or get 120 excited children together to go see Mickey on 2 hour turnarounds, they'd be amazed it leaves the airport at all!
FB