As for profitablility of Dnd Lcy route, spoke to one of the crews week ago or so before the gloag/souter pull out. Flights a regularly full, passenger numbers have gone up dramatically in both directions, makes you wonder why no-one has come in to offer competition. Also airport in general has been very busy with charters/private traffic.
Latest rumour for Hial is that they will take control May next year.