FcU:
When you make the statement, "It's economics, stupid", don't forget that the lower prices offered to the consumer by companies like C3, Skyservice, Air Transat et al, have given way to more consumers being able to afford to travel. This in turn has provided more jobs for folks in the industry. That too is economics, stupid!
C3 didn't fail because of the low prices they offered in the charter market. They were profitable in every year but one. Their failure was a direct result of the board of directors vain attempt to become the next Canadian Airlines!
All this whining about Air 2000 coming to Canada for a few winter months is quite something, when one thinks of how many Canucks have been flying in the U.K. for the last decade, every May to October. Maybe you should ask yourselves why it is that Skyservice and Air Transat have not objected to Air 2000's 5th freedom application? It's because they are both courting Signature for a long term contract. They know that making a big stink about Signature's parent company coming here for a few months would simply be more bad economics. Better to stroke the hand that might feed you than to bite it!
I am not unsympathetic to the plight of those who have lost their jobs recently. I've been there and it's no picnic. I just like to look at things from all sides before I go on a rant.