You know it really irritates me that people assume there is no premium traffic ex Manchester and that everyone with money (so called) wants to fly from London.
Well the numbers don't reflect your sentiments, nor might I add do the yields.
You can't judge the importance of an airport purely on its premium yields.
You are completely correct, which is why I wasn't, I'm looking at the big picture..however, until such time as the average premium yield improves at MAN, it will continue to be a rather poor regional cousin to LHR and LGW comparatively speaking.
I am fortunate that my job allows me to fly on business and I frequently have problem getting seats in Business on flights ex Manchester and I usually find business quite full.
pwalhx, I'm not surprised, the lack of frequency and lack of passengers means the airlines will do their best to maximize the loads they can generate.