You have made some good points on connections & interlining, &, as you say, that may persuade them to continue with their plans. My feeling is that, as far as Manchester is concerned, they are competing with Easy & Jet 2, who both offer direct jet services from Jersey. I don't think that they can seriously compete on this route operating via Southampton. Dublin is a bit different in that Aer Lingus haven't returned to the route from Jersey, yet. So, no competition there. But, are there enough pax for them to open a base at Southampton: & do they have the aircraft available to operate the routes, especially in competition with Eastern ?