EDI and LTN are now streets ahead of BHX in terms of pax numbers, growth, routes etc and will now always be. I'm sure their shareholders are happy enough so I don't know why BHX should settle for organic growth to keep theirs happy.
The strong point BHX has is it's portfolio of legacy carriers and appeal of these to business/frequent fliers for both short and long haul connections which LTN and BRS (despite their much stronger European networks) don't have.
Perhaps the new CEO should rename it London-Birmingham.....Has worked a treat for Luton and now give or take a couple of hiccups for Southend. Might put us back on airline marketing teams radar again. After all it's around 1hr 20 mins to Euston with Virgin from International as opposed to nearly an hour from Southend on a local commuter train.
I'll get my coat.....