Regarding the basing of charter a/c at regional airports, does anyone know who between the tour operator and the airline has the greatest influence?
If, for example, Thomsons identify that a greater number of their holidays could be sold in the NW, providing more services from LPL were laid on, do BY simply comply and open up a base. Or is it a case of BY identifying that a deal can be struck with Peel for lower landing and passenger handling charges at LPL (say in comparison to MAN) and then Thomsons working out if they can sell enough to fill the a/c? No doubt this grossly over-simplifies matters, but I'm intriguied as to how these matters work in practice.
In the context of LBA, we hear positive noises from the management regarding the state of the relationship with Thomsons, yet BY have closed their winter base from 2001/02 and in 02 will further reduce the summer flying programme??
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