Originally Posted by
Tailhookah
So is this also a reason for the proposed change from EASK's to Block Hours in the concessionary TA? Don't know exactly how this all plays out but maybe RA and Co. saw this downscale coming and wanted to prepare... to change the JV language from EASK's to block hours. Anyone want to tackle this conspiracy?
Tail
The up-gauging of the US side and the down-gauging of the EU side was well publicized in public statements and fleet plans published by the partner airlines. I provided links to the articles at the time.
While correct on the trend, the rate and quantity of change is difficult to predict since there are so many variables which affect execution on the EU side.
Block Hours should not be confused with Pilot Block Hours.
The part of the puzzle which may not be obvious from our side of the Atlantic is the rapid and aggressive expansion of Ryanair and other EU LCC. While the ME3 are eating their lunch on premium transoceanic, the LCC are making a "dog's breakfast" of their feed.
We have to remain alert for the one market they have that still sort-of functions ... the US.