I flew out on the LGW 1050 on Saturday (which was the second but last BA departure to LGW) and was hoping to sample my first BAe 146-100. To my horror, first G-GNTZ positioned in empty, but I was slightly relieved when G-MABR arrived a couple of minutes afterwards from LGW and spat out 25 or so pax. My hopes for the -100 were squashed, however, when G-MABR left empty a short while later and we boarded - a very full - G-GNTZ for LGW.
What was the story behind this aircraft change and this expensive positioning of the two 146s to and from the rock? Has G-GNTZ taken over the LGW runs and G-MABR already stood down by Flybe or was it just a one-off because the -200 was fully booked ? I noted that all the manuals etc. visible in the cockpit of G-GNTZ were plastered with the Flybe logo all over.