BA used to have a sizeable regional short-haul base at Manchester. That was downsized/removed years ago, even before the rise of the LoCo's. However, what about having more long-haul routes from the power house of the north? If their idea is to try and feed pax into LHR from the region they are competing with AMS, FRA, MUC, CDG etc. A short flight to LHR or AMS/FRA is similar and prices can often be better via the continent. Plus their airports are often more convivial than LHR. If MAN offered attractive options would it not off-load LHR somewhat and provide a more attractive option for 100'000's in the north? I know there are various long-haul flights from mAN by the foreign competitors, why does not BA defend its turf?