Re: West Coast Routes
In principal, the return of a U.S. West Coast routing does sound plausible, but as ever, a strong consideration has to be given to the price of oil, combined with domestic demand levels.
A significant amount of fuel is obviously required for such a routing, at 10.5 - 11.0 Hours flying time (Westbound) on average. In an interview some time ago, Enda Corneille indicated that a routing to SFO/West Coast could return, but that a major deciding factor would relate to the price of oil.
With oil now already ahead of multi agency economic forecasts, averaging near to US$81.00 per barrel, it could head towards US$85.00 in the next while..
Although a reduction in the cost base does allow some room for manouvre, I think that there needs to be a load factor of around 70% (with significant C class occupancy), along with oil prices remaining at or below US$85.00 in order to make the route work.
We also need to see a stabilisation in long haul figures..
EI Premier