It isn't a matter of public record yet, but they have applied for slots at both MAN and STN for this operation - roughly 0730 and 1730 departures ex STN and flights ex MAN 1h30 later. Given that the more profitable "end" of the route for Eastern was in Stansted-originating traffic coming up to Manchester for the day, this could be a problem for it if Air Berlin launch with a cheaper, better schedule.