why are they selling flights beyond their means? they obv do not have enough capacity to operate their own programme!
Thomas Cook are not selling flights beyond their means and are leasing in extra aircraft to add capacity. This isn't unique to Thomas Cook and I think you will find most airlines will lease extra aircraft in the summer months. Thomson are using an Astraeus 757 all summer from Edinburgh, Jet2 are leasing 2 Allegiant 757s this summer to name only a couple of examples. Does this mean these airlines don't have enough capacity to operate their own programme either? It is common pracice for airlines to take extra aircraft for the peak summer months.
you book with TCX and its a complete lottery as to what obscure european charter airline you fly with!
Aside from the Astraeus 757 and the Mint Airways 757, unless there are any technical / operational issues, all flights will be on a Thomas Cook aircraft.