AH,
And you would have also thought it would have helped sweeten Ryanair, although MOL was saying yesterday that they would look to building DSA to DUB up to three rotations before launching other cities into DSA, and that when they do look at this, it is more likely to be bringing the usual based a/c in from other European bases.
shlittlenellie,
Couldn't agree more, no one should ever assume that any airline should be the cheapest on any route, unless they are the sole operator, in which case they can often get away with charging quite a bit more!
Buster - I was curious about that article too when I read it, especially as FR's 737-800s must outperform any of TOM's older models on fuel and staffing ratios? Apart from CIA, they seem to fly more to main city airports too.
Their UK bases are a more interesting situation though - I presume they have a good deal at DSA and BOH, but the commitment TUI have had to make to CVT must bring them several years of red before they get their money back. I'm sure this investment will reap them substantial returns in the long run, but does anyone know how signifcant the cost of the base airport is (longer parking, but more volume discounts), compared to the destination airport (quick turnarounds, but much less bargaining power?).