Obviously the Embraer 145s are going to have to stay in the short term to be able to cover the flying programme, though you can bet that the flybe management team will be keen to ensure that deliveries of the Dash and Embraers arrive as quickly as can be to get rid of the 145s. They're not the right equipment at all for a low cost airline, which is evident in the failure of Independence Air who tried to serve smaller communities with this type of aircraft and the low cost model. bmi regional whilst doing very well for the bmi group, only makes money out of the type because they put the aircraft on high yielding routes, they don't try to compete with no-frills airlines, and provide a full-service model with full-fare prices to match - it's a completely different proposition to what flybe are trying to do.
Is it now confirmed that flybe will be moving to Terminal 2 at BHX? They mentioned that they'd be taking over the Terraces Lounge, and given they like to mention the benefits of cosy regional airports, T2 seems perfect for the quick minimal fuss operation that they want to offer to keep journey time as low as possible, particularly when competing against the train on routes like EDI/GLA? Presumably this will be another major period of growth for Swissport?