Regarding LCY that wouldn't surprise me. London is doing everything it can to become less of a business capital in the world with less and less travel access. Meanwhile Paris is far more accessible for the business traveller. Pretty soon Luton and Manston will be the only access points as all other airports are marginalized or shut down...
Regarding the 7X, I am surprised that none of the Gulfstream pilots jumped at the chance to fly it. I guess the super-senior Gulfstream pilots don't mind the 12 hour flights.
Any word on whether the new paint scheme will ever be changed back to the original or changed again? I have heard from a NJE pilot that a few passengers have actually refused to fly on aircraft with the new paint scheme. Sounds like NJE didn't test the paint scheme in focus groups with existing/potential passengers before making the decision...