Good points sensibly argued Mr Ozzy although I would waiver the return of BA shuttles as a priority , maybe IAG agree, it is possibly the reason Aer Lingus are making such a fist of Manchester ?
My original point holds sway that the majority of hubs with direct access to Manchester ALSO support end to end traffic, it's a point seemingly lost on our friend in the south.
The BA shuttles are for connections only therefore i am of the view that a service post covid such as Finnair to Helsinki, Iberia to Madrid etc whilst providing connectity to China and South America also directly support the economy of the North of England making direct air services viable between both countries and supporting UK BUSINESS UP HERE.
That is not a bonus that LHR shuttles can provide.
With aviation on its knees the worth of those services "when"" they hopefully return cannot be understated despite the best efforts of Government to trash the industry.