Originally Posted by
Expressflight
I would suggest there are three possibilities:
1) The Flybe/Stobart Air franchise is extended and the SEN ATR routes will continue to be operated as now.
2) The SEN ATR routes could operate under a different franchise banner. Possibly Aer Lingus Regional (maybe not very likely) or another UK carrier.
3) The SEN ATR routes may not operate at all after next Spring.
I think flyBe is the only game in town from a franchise point of view, but given the cancellation of the IOM contract and the changes at SEN I don't think the relationship is that great. I don't think Aer Lingus Regional makes much sense on rotes from SEN to Manchester, Glasgow and even less to France. I can't see it being used on routes to Europe from SEN.
Im surprised that Stobart have decided to continue on the DUB-SEN route with the E195. Its going to be tough to compete with Ryanair on that one. It seems like Stobart find themselves in a similar position to CityJet - decent routes but the wrong brand/infrastructure to operate them with.