Originally Posted by
TCAS FAN
stewyb
Got it in one. When the intent to order the E75 was first announced it was hailed (by SOU management) as the aircraft that would push PAX figures through 2 million. A smaller version of the E95 was apparently going to open up many more European and Scandinavian destinations. The term "pocket rocket" was heard on a number of occassions!
All fell flat when Maybe announced that they were going for the de-rated engines, presumably to reduce operating costs. Off a relatively short runway as SOU this knocked the expansion plans on the head due to the impact on take-off weights and thereby payload restrictions.that would result.
Here you go, it was 8 years ago!
Flybe's new investment a major boost for Southampton International Airport | Daily Echo
I wonder how the size of Flybe's SOU operation compares between now and then actually. I've always had the impression that every time it has grown said growth has been wiped out in the next round of cuts and restructuring, but perhaps something is happening in the background!