Bssed on everthing I'm reading re schedules, the Embraers, and the route withdrawals, my assessment is Stobart will go ACMI for another airline with the existing Flybe-Stobart aircraft. They've got FR to assist easyJet in driving the business at Southend.
Given the level of consolidation in the market and challenging environment around cost (fuel as main item), the case for a big tie up of regionals is greater than ever. Will Flybe get into the Cityjet/Nostrum deal? Otherwise, they'll likely face a big competitive challenge in maintaining the EI contract in a free years when that expires. Equally, is the Flybe takeover question?
Then consider the remaining regionals... the case for many of them standing alone is challenging without specific niche business.