Fr and Ei at Belfast
Just been thinking for a few days about how it might pan out with these recent developmemts at the two airports.
Fr have been making life very difficult for Ei with the recent announcements and that suits Fr well. They have decided to throw their future in with Bhd, which will have some problems to overcome before Fr will be able to operate a sizeable operation there.
Ei has seen Fr encrouch on many of their routes out of the South. In my view, Ei probably sees the opportunity to expand at Bfs, but Fr face many challenges to be able to offer any realistic competition from Bhd. Ei could operate many routes out of Bfs, if they are available, Fr will probably not be able to compete effectively.
It remains to be seen what damage to the other operators at Bhd that Fr do. In the meantime, Bfs probably have the operators they want, I would guess that they might prefer Ei over Fr. In the long term, if Fr ever wanted to operate from Bfs, Bfs will probably be able to say no, or offer them a deal on a take it or leave it basis.
End result, Ei can expand without much fear of a hugh response from Fr. Fr will be limited long-term. Bfs under less pressure to do a deal with Fr.
Bhd need to be careful they don't turn into almost a one airline airport, it has happened elsewhere, eg Snn.
True Blue