Originally Posted by
caaardiff
Providing marketing support is a way to get around government aid payments. They aren't paying QR to be there, they are paying to advertise the route.
Behind the scenes the setup of blackbird at CWL is that some arm of CWL/WG is pretty much chartering the aircraft to run, with whatever else is included in the deal.
Do you really think the WG will invest in an Airline that's struggling that only operates what, 5% of its flights in Wales? There was uproar about buying CWL, it would be political suicide. Let's be realistic.
Airports are commercial entities, having CWL is political and patriotic, but in reality Filton is just as accessible as BRS and CWL and could've provided a much better airport for the southwest and Wales region which may have actually resulted in better links and a much busier airport. It's would still be accessible for people to fly from and work from. The tolls are going and it would be on major rail and road links. Easily accessible for Airport workers and crews.
The likelihood of WG increasing in Flybe is small and like you said it would cause a political backlash but like i said they might be able to lobby people who can invest in Flybe.
Yes airports are commercial entities but they are also part of a countries transport infrastructure and international access to that country. That access would be diminished without it especially for a country like Wales.