Excellent post Shed, couldn't have said it better myself. Don't forget also that BA dictated their own subsidary airline at MAN. GB were limited to the routes that they could offer because BA had a noose around their neck. I find it hard to believe that JFK & other routes in times gone by were making big losses, but if they were then they've contributed to it themselves by limiting their options at Manchester and forcing people to go via LHR wherever possible.
Bagso has a point with his earlier post. MAplc still pussyfoot around BA like they're the most important attribute to the airport. They still get everything they want and more from the airport, like they always have. Completely takes the p*ss. Hopefully not for much longer though. T3 will become LoCo soon. BA will asked to move to T1. Not much room over there at the minute and with them only needing a handful of desks, let's give them the darkest dingiest corner possible!
Time MA wised up and gave the time of day to those airlines who actually have an interest in operating from Manchester instead.