Originally Posted by
Skipness One Foxtrot
Launching Newquay going into winter on a point to point basis (with no codeshares at LHR?) seems just aimed at damaging the Eastern operate PSO on LGW-NQY. Similarly attacking the very niche and govt supported IOM-LHR up against Loganair just seems fairly spiteful and a spolier. These are low volume niche markets that can barely support one carrier in winter, I remain concerned that flybe2 offer nothing new net new in market.
Are zombie-flybe really saying to Cornwall County Council and the IOM govt who subsidise Eastern and Loganair's ops respectively that there's no need to subsidise at all or that they should choose flybe instead?
There was plenty of disquiet in Cornwall when the PSO was announced as LGW. Yes, codeshares are needed, but there are plenty of longhaul markets served from LHR (that aren't from LGW) that folk coming in from the SW will want to connect to.
Also plenty of the affluent London-based Cornish 2nd home-owning set, who may be tempted away from the 5 hour drive in the Range Rover for their weekend jaunts to Rock or St Ives (anyone frequenting the A30 west of Exeter late on a Friday evening, at any time of year, will be aware of the volume of people in this category)
None of us know whether Flybe are being very smart with these moves, or if they're comitting commercial suicide. I'd side with the giving them the benefit of the doubt for now.