As a local Hull resident but not yet a real pilot I have to say that from my experience a low-cost operator running selected routes from HUY would be profitable.
Most people I know looking for european holidays first check if humberside go there before checking elsewhere and I also know a lot of people that fly from LBA on buisness. I regularly use both airports for private aircraft and door to door by car HUY is 45mins, LBA due to it's location is 1hr 40mins! MAN works out about 2hrs assuming you don't hit traffic between Leeds and Manchester.
I have to agree with MEFLYBE when I hear people say that when Finningly opens HUY will virtually shut down and you will be able to fly right around the world within seemingly a couple of months???? I'm sorry but I just can't see it. I'm sure it will develop and be successful but lets be realistic.
As I understand it the Humber Bridge tolls are the second most expensive in the UK however those of us on the north bank are more then happy to pay it to get to HUY, but remember that it is the only place worth going to in N. Lincs
Only joking.
It reminds me a little of train services from Hull, until only a few years ago there was only one direct train to London a day (leaving at about 0630 I believe) and the networks would not increase due to an apparent lack of demand. A private company listened to the outcry and started Hull Trains running several direct trains a day and last year they were the biggest expanding and one of the most profitable providers in the UK. For some reason there is still a belief that us northerners can't aford to, and don't want to fly to places unless we are going on holiday for a fortnight
There is a market for buisness travel and European scheduled services from HUY if anyone wants it??