RHagrid - Ha, its people like you who do make me laugh so! Completely cuddled up in their own little fairyland without any idea of reality............
The FRA probably would be operated by the D8-400 but whats the problem with that? Far more comfortable onboard than the ATRs which I believe operate to the UK on similar services (Lufthansa) Or at least they have in the past!
I do not think BE would leave Exeter if another airline joined them on the apron at EXT...afterall they have invested alot of money into EXT and I simply cannot believe that they would up and leave just because of a little bit of competition. They compete with EZY out of LGW and have excellent load factors so why should EXT be any different?
Also can I ask how you know BE will defo operate a FRA service from EXT next year? Where is your source??