I am well aware of what stobart operate out of dublin and also what Aer lingus operate out of dublin.
my point is, Aer lingus do NOT want stobart off their patch. They are discussing an extension of the contract. Stobart do something mainline can’t do, the provide frequency. The whole regional model is to feed long haul, point to point is happily served by Ryanair - it’s not EIs core market. The airbus is just too big for that high frequency market. And where here is demand For specific peak flights for more than an ATR the two work hand in hand. Like MAN and BHX.
the point is, Belfast has nothing to do with dublin and the Belfast operation is a good move for both sides. Aer lingus have the brand and reputation and stobart the right aircraft for that market
they also support stobart in Belfast city as do the pilots of Aer lingus.