Maybe CX just being cautious in the light of mixed economic forecasts for next year, weaker pound etc. Maybe the arrival of HU, nonstop SQ, EK going all A380 etc has put pressure on yields ? Maybe LGW is struggling at 4pw given there is 5x daily CX just up the road ?
Either way it's still an increase for MAN of 1 flight and 40 seats (4%) a week overall (more increase in the posh seats) - and they're putting their latest kit on the route. Many other airports would kill for that....