GAL and the airlines are only interested in their precious OTP figure, that means get off the stand ASAP. This OTP stuff is null and void to anyone in ATC
Easyjet in particular have an incredibly passionate interest in this 'push and hold' garbage because it means they can pay their ground handler (Menzies) even less. In the past, they'd have to wait on stand for pushback to then depart. This meant that tug crews and other necessary ground staff sometimes racked up overtime bills etc because the already stretched handling agent has absolutely no slack or flexibility in their skeleton resourced operations when there is significant airport congestion or CTOT delays and the aircraft had to just wait on stand. These days, push and hold allows them to relieve the tug driver ASAP and they make even more of a cash saving!
Easyjet bosses are paid on the performance and adherence to OTP. Therefore they absolutely love this push and hold rubbish! It looks great for their figures, aircraft achieved its OTP, however did not actually depart for up to 30mins+ afterwards, and delayed other operators and even company aircraft whilst manoeuvring to the bloody remote hold location!
GAL need more stands at LGW. That is a primary issue.
However, GAL as the airport operator should tell easyjet that they need to start funding their ground handling contracts properly. Yes, push and hold is available, however it is not a right or an entitlement and it does not remove the requirement to fund your business contracts with your partners properly!
Singled easyjet out here and I appreciate this may not be entirely fair, however it is predominantly one operator demanding this. It's madness that this push and hold system has got out of control now, to the detriment of other operators who may pay slightly more for their ground handling but are being penalised for what would have been an on time departure (ATD) because some cheap skate behind them doesn't want to pay a few quid extra and thinks everyone else should suffer for their profits
