Does anyone actually know the official rules re basing G-reg aircraft in the EU? TUI base a G-reg 738 in TFS every winter and I believe Jet2 also keep a spare 738 in TFS for backup purposes - not sure if the Canaries would fall outside of any ‘EU’ restrictions though?
The base of the a/c is irrelevant, it's where the airline is based and the routes (look at how the Irish airline Ryanair operates from STN). So Jet2 could base G- reg a/c in PMI/ALC, but they could only operate to the UK. Is there year round demand for that?
I'm assuming TOM out of DUB is either operated under the AOC of one of their EU airlines or they have a seperate dispensation from the IAA.