They can't that's why there are (and have been) a lot of cancellations, the 73 went out the other day with 60, yes 60 pax on board!
Ouch !!
Actually our return flight has been canx already and we've been shifted to the earlier flight. The seat map for the outbound shows its not even half full either.
I am liking Y class on the upper deck of the MAN's VS 744's though, secured seats up there in both directions just in case the main deck is hammered with screaming kids
Dec and Jan are the quietest times of the year (except over Christmas) hence why we're going in Jan, so maybe a lull is to be expected.
Maybe they should drop to 5 weekly during the low months as flying 60 on a 744 can't be remotely profitable.
VS must know what they are doing though, and they must see a need for 2 daily flights during the summer months.