Actually I don't really understand your math. How would they make 10k USD more one-way with up to 55 more seats? Thats assuming a o/w ticket costs close to 180 USD right? Also you'd have to actually sell those consistently at such a high price. Doesnt sound like they would make that much more revenue to me...
Yea, I was a little aggressive and clearly at the high end. Just tryin to make the point it will make a difference. More seats is more revenue and some can be reinvested. I don't think this trend is going any other way so trying to look on the bright side. Take LAX for example...AA is entering the market next month, and has 10x in Y. The fares are AWESOME. Part of this is just them undercutting to win business, but part is also because they have more seats.
As for the fuel hedging, trading against CX is legendary. I know two careers born of it. Suffice to say some traders have gotten back a lot more than they ever paid CX to fly F for decades.