Latest story I have heard. Make of it what you will, its third hand information.
EZY offered Gate Av a long term handling deal (4+ years) at a reduced rate per turnaround. Gate questioned EZYs commitment to NCL and argued that their continued reduction in aircraft was unworkable with the reduced rate.
EZY called Gates bluff, knowing how much of GAs business was orange... Gate didnt bite at the 'long term bait'... and now this is gonna hurt EZY. Bad feeling amongst crew is that the increased fee they will HAVE to pay at Newcastle will hasten the closure of the base.
I am told that both Gate and Servisair at NCL were good performers. Its a poor EZY management decision. They gambled... and seemingly lost. Sounds like they expected a good deal from a 'desperate' gate. but gate didnt want to play ball.
RTG