So easyjet and BA quickly find themselves with equipment that is too small? I know that BA are introducing some a320s, but is it not a fact that if you operate at a very high load factor, you are losing pax at busy times to other operators?
True Blue,
You make a valid point here. However, I think it is worth recognising that
1. both BA and easyJet are moving towards more 320's as they recognise lower unit operating cost, easyJet have clear plan to move in that direction and especially for LGW that is the right course of action where demand is high
2. From a yield management model perspective 319 has some advantages; the airlines would prefer to fill a smaller machine and collect higher fares on the last seats. BA bought a huge fleet of 319's for LHR when the airport was already at max capacity and this was at a time when a sizeable fleet of 757's were already the backbone of the fleet on short haul.
Hence, the airlines key priority is filling the existing ac and gaining max revenue, rather than worrying as much about losing pax. Though upgrading to 320's should help remedy that. BA are moving to increase the no of seats on its 320 fleet too.
Finally, if we consider the age profile of existing BA fleet. Some of which are 25 years +, whatever they buy now in the near future could be around in a very new environment in when either LHR or LGW may have extra runway capacity And as a result added competition, which might warrant a slightly smaller aircraft in some instances...