Based on the performance of the 41's at LBA recently, the merits of having an extra one based up there are dubious to say the least. Any cancellations tomorrow from BA will make it 7 days in a row where they have cancelled flights ex LBA due to technical issues with the a/c.
Re the north of england as a likely base for a low-cost carrier - absolutely. The success of LPL in the North West in particular should highlight the huge potential to the East of the Pennines to any potential airlines. IMHO, Teesside has as much to offer as any airport in this region as its low-cost footprint would extend as far north as NCL and as far south as South Yorks, with North & West Yorks tucked in the middle - a significant catchment area. Add to that the fact that the airport authority will no doubt be falling over themselves to offer discounts / incentives and the potential is there for something to happen.
682