Couple of things here from my perspective;
- Willie Walsh said at the time of the withdrawal from regional flying that regional flying was better suited to low cost carriers - why would this perspective have changed when the LOCOs are stronger than ever?
- The non London routes do not fit in terms of a network carrier strategy and on the high volume routes these are again hotly contested
- Good suggestion that the Flybe vehicle could adopt EIR routes, but these are not up for renewal until 2022/3. What happens in the mean time?
- For slots sake, LCY and LHR. BA are now contracting Stobart to do some of their flying at LCY. They are unlikely to be pursuing this take over for the sake of an LCY operation the size of a 4 aircraft operation at the airport? Approx.
- Competition concerns will be raised, BA will not get the domestic slots at LHR, that would open up opportunities for easyJet to access LHR. Easyjet and Ryanair would definitely raise competition concerns, for sure.
The only thing I can think as a driver here is a desire to put tabs on Virgin and their Skyteam connectivity. Moreover, what sort of relationship is emerging between Stobart and BA, could BA be fronting a buyout that could be carved up between BA and Stobart? This would tick many boxes for the two. Including linkage to IAG for Stobart for future opportunities ...