White Heather - I can't see why you have interpreted my posting as a personal attack on yourself. There are no personal references, only discussion of the issues. I'm sorry that you have taken offence, but there are really no grounds for that. The subject matter in question is wholly impersonal, and it is that which I deal with.
I gave considerable thought to what I posted. Aviation economics is a core subject for me. I have no desire to see any contributor become upset. But that doesn't mean my facts were wrong, so I can't apologise for explaining economic realities (however unwelcome they might be). Being an avid and valued supporter of a discussion forum does not necessary imply an intimate understanding of the way a corporate behemoth such as IAG operates. On forums we all must be prepared to learn from others ... none of us have a monopoly on the right answers. I know I don't. We can't take a stance of 'how dare anybody question my take on this'. Contentious subjects imply two or more points of view to consider, but that doesn't mean that topical comments should be interpreted as a personal affront.
The reality is that IAG possesses data from which they can determine the contribution made to their bottom line by every slot deployed at their main bases. They do not think parochially as might a local dignitary or a councillor. They do not pick on a destination city to victimise. What they actually do is run the numbers. We need to free up a slot to run the new schedule to XYZ ... what is the most cost-effective way to accommodate this? And these calculations will not just consist of rudimentary profit and loss figures, but also the commercial value of the connecting traffic dependent on the service supported. All slots are subject to constant review to ensure they are being used to most profitable effect. That is why MAN has lost twelve daily LHR slot-pairs in just over ten years and why LBA is losing slots now. It's disappointing for the airports which lose out be that LBA, MAN or anywhere else. But that's business.
I hope that you will continue to post, White Heather. You are clearly widely-appreciated here. But we must all be prepared to see our arguments challenged by healthy on-topic discussion. That is how good discussion forums educate us. It isn't personal.
I gave considerable thought to what I posted. Aviation economics is a core subject for me. I have no desire to see any contributor become upset. But that doesn't mean my facts were wrong, so I can't apologise for explaining economic realities (however unwelcome they might be). Being an avid and valued supporter of a discussion forum does not necessary imply an intimate understanding of the way a corporate behemoth such as IAG operates. On forums we all must be prepared to learn from others ... none of us have a monopoly on the right answers. I know I don't. We can't take a stance of 'how dare anybody question my take on this'. Contentious subjects imply two or more points of view to consider, but that doesn't mean that topical comments should be interpreted as a personal affront.
The reality is that IAG possesses data from which they can determine the contribution made to their bottom line by every slot deployed at their main bases. They do not think parochially as might a local dignitary or a councillor. They do not pick on a destination city to victimise. What they actually do is run the numbers. We need to free up a slot to run the new schedule to XYZ ... what is the most cost-effective way to accommodate this? And these calculations will not just consist of rudimentary profit and loss figures, but also the commercial value of the connecting traffic dependent on the service supported. All slots are subject to constant review to ensure they are being used to most profitable effect. That is why MAN has lost twelve daily LHR slot-pairs in just over ten years and why LBA is losing slots now. It's disappointing for the airports which lose out be that LBA, MAN or anywhere else. But that's business.
I hope that you will continue to post, White Heather. You are clearly widely-appreciated here. But we must all be prepared to see our arguments challenged by healthy on-topic discussion. That is how good discussion forums educate us. It isn't personal.
