Isn't it remarkable they just happen to be at the right times? Access to the timings it needed are grounded in the IAG/BMI remedy deal too and it does not follow that a new entrant would get the same slots
"Remarkable indeed....... suits the
PR PUFF from DFT HAL and Failinggrayling to connect a regional airport to promote Heathrow connectivity at this difficult time"
Maybe the SW might have benefited from direct investment instead, that being a part of the £16bn it's going to cost the taxpayer!
That said if Crossrail is anything to go by it will be £25bn by the time it's built !