I think today's announcement is excellent news for BHX - because the alternative would have been BACON pulling out in 2007 then BHX being in a very vulnerable position negotiating to try and cover the routes and pax.
It's been 'plane' to everyone (except perhaps the board and some of the management at BHX
) that BA hasn't given two hoots about the second city for some years now. It's only the greed of the shareholders that kept BHX hanging on to BACON instead of getting in willing carriers such as EZY who would pay less per pax but actually add GROWTH. The obsession with BA has held BHX back for some years now; well the management have now had their precious toy taken from them.
BHX has cut a few jobs in recent weeks; apparently to cut some costs. Perhaps they'll start being a little more flexible with charges to airlines that are actually interested in B'ham.