The main reason we're cutting the route is because it doesn't make money. Yes, plenty of passengers in WT, but not in CW. Low yield.
The aircraft (4-class) will be sent to LHR and a 3-class will come to LGW instead, to use on the new routes (Male, Sharm, Punta Cana, Mobay).
LGW long haul is the part of the company that is actually making money at the moment, and is expanding in the leisure market.
It's such a shame the JFK had to be pulled from LGW, but that's the way business works I suppose.
Don't know about EI's plans...
Gg