Originally Posted by
virginblue
Would that be allowed under the PSO contract terms for the thrice daily NQY-LGW service? Operating the aircraft (or even basing it) elsewhere increases the risk of operational disruptions which is something those paying for the PSO-party are most likely not very enthusiastic about.
As is often the case with PSO routes, there are a broad range of requirements that can be put into the terms of the contract.
Basing an aircraft at a different airport and flying it into another in order to operate a PSO route would certainly increase the risk of possible disruption(s), but as far as I'm aware the operator is technically free to do/use the aircraft as they see fit. Obviously the load factor and/or punctuality of the flights will be closely monitored and a warning/sanction may well be issued; I also assume that in the worse case scenario, a PSO contract (or certainly the funding made available) can also potentially be withdrawn if/when an operator is seen to be constantly under-delivering on the contracted requirement(s).