That is how Ryanair operate. Pay me to fly from your airport. This might be via local development grants, EU subsidies etc.
Luton said "NO, if you want to base more, then you pay the going rate"!
Luton in effect would then subsidise Ryanair profits?
Ryanair and its BAA Stansted spin. It probably is, and will continue to get good deals to open new routes from there, and I guess Ryanair gets the same at Luton? Derry and Trapani are new destinations, so might get a bit of a discount?
Ryanair have announced that they are grounding planes this winter, easyJet have disguised this same fact by accelerating the removal of the -700's from their fleet and replacing with Airbus....not in addition.
The survival of UK airlines within the current climate relies upon spreading the risk. The more bases outside and around Europe, the more chance of riding the storm, this is easyJet/Ryanair current policy. If one market declines, others around Europe will prop you up. Getting a few self help payments from the airports and regions certainly helps as well!
UK Lo-Co's relying upon a predominately UK clientèle will be in deep bear Pooh come the winter with oil north of $100.