Given that the final deal Stormont gave to United was rejected by the EU on grounds of state aid, wouldn't that mean that United (or indeed another airline) could be given that same deal once we leave the EU? It would be interesting to know if United and BFS have already come to an agreement that would see the route reinstated when the funds are made available post Brexit. That being said, I know that at least two US carriers have been knocking on BFS management's door, so maybe there's a deal being made with one of United's rivals...