Forgive me, but what is irrelevant here in this debate?
The fact that there are many hundreds of Brits flying overseas to the number of non Brits that are flying in the uK?
...or was it, the fact that a wet lease application went in, one that was predominantly flown by EU pilots?
What are we objecting to here?
Is it the piece of metal that doesn't have a G- register on it, or is it that it is not flown by Brits?
Face facts...The EU is one body now, like it or not. The fact that a hairy Swede might be flying in the left hand seat of such non-Brit registered aircraft is acceptible under EU and UK law, like it or not.
Back to Excel...their very success, as demonstrated by no redundancies and no pay cuts, would proove they are doing something right...and in doing so, protecting the jobs of the numerous UK pilots that work for them. Or would you rather they sink into their own little self-protectionist world, denying themselves the opportunity to prosper and face the same stark realities that lots of airlines are facing at the moment? Maybe, when EVERY single UK pilot is out of work, then we can all feel content, cos no-one is doing any better than their next door neighbour? Hardly a red herring. Wake up, smell the coffee.