Back in the late 70's and 80's LHR-NQY was flown twice a day by a Brymon 50 seat Herald or Dash 7 at intelligent times (early morning up to LHR, with an evening return back) and was usually always good loads or often full.
A third lunchtime flight was added via PLH or EXT that saw some decent loads but was a quieter service.
Not sure if Brymon had a Govt subsidy or not for this?
Move on almost 40 years and we are still faffing around deliberating over when and where to operate this viable route.
BMI Baby did the MAN-NQY route with a 737 and I think they did quite well?