EK into Newcastle
With the A380 going into Manchester in Sept this year. This actually may have a negative effect on NCL.
EK will be looking to fill this plane which carries 14 first class, 76 business class and 399 economy passengers = 489 total. Compared to the A330 27 business and 251 economy = 278 total.
That leaves 211 passengers to find to fill the A380. Some, but how many will defect off the NCL flight ?
When will the EK NCL flight become non- viable ?
MAN also has a designated EK only lounge for its business and first class passengers
The pull of the plane and the lounge could be prove irresistable.
NCL was rumoured to be MAN's third flight before it started and could easily be pulled if passenger numbers transfer to the A380 saving EK alot of costs.
EK despite constant rumours have still not changed the A330 after 2.25 years.
I don't mean to be mr doom and gloom, but NCL must be realistic in the future and fight to keep EK there.
I really hope NCL keeps EK , but with the catchment area and present pax numbers nothing is guaranteed.