I think the issue here possibly lies more with the ticket sales. Do the tickets not have to sold against the AOC of the operating company and not Whoosh. Already Whoosh say contact White Eagle and vice versa for refunds so all very confusing.
I should imagine Whoosh want the ticket funds a.s.a.p but the operator holds onto them until sectors/fares are flown ? Not sure how all this works but no doubt a deal breaker rather than finding an aircraft to operate the route?