Originally Posted by
hatton
Given the knock backs my suggestions have been with perhaps a take over by Stobbarts is Flybe’s only hope.
It’s a deal that has been looked at within recent memory, if I recall.
The thing is, I suspect that relatively modest revenue generation combined with APD makes it a tough space to make money in. Painting the aircraft white, purple or lilac won’t make much difference. Equally ATR, Q400 or E-Jet themselves aren’t going to make or break the airlines. Stobart couldn’t make SEN-GLA/MAN work for example, with ATRs.
I do think there is a role for an airline like BE, but domestic U.K. opportunities aren’t endless. Franchising, connections and code-shares can all add complexity, but little revenue. It’s a well trodden road to extinction. Focussed airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, TUI, Thomas Cook and KL Cityhopper have thrived in U.K. regions. Unfocused, confused airlines like bmi and bmibaby haven’t.