I do not think ''unrestricted'' Ops or payloads can ever be expected from SOU even using 180 seat A320NEO types.
There will always be occasions and routes where payloads will be limited.
This is not an 7 or 8000' runway!
Easy Jet were flying from SEN to the Canaries with a 10-15 seat loss.
I do not think BOH has anything to worry about.
SOU will not overnight expect to be able to fill 180 seat aircraft yet.
That type of new business has to build -
Once Covid allows Business to re-start and Travellers to act more normally then we will should see the rewards of more choice.
The new BACF Summer program was a great start albeit now likely further delayed to most or many of their leisure routes.
These flights use a 98 seat EMB Jet.
CDG/AMS and DUB are all crucial Feeder Hubs for onward travel - I would like to see those back in strength.
Plus the UK feeder network restored which SOU was famous for.