This is an interesting move by BE/Loganair.. Some would say in revenge for the impact that Chester is potentially having on LPL patient tranfers. My personal opinion is that this is not a good move for the Isle of Man in general. This will end in another mess. Although undoubtedly one side has a lot more to lose than the other.
Yes maybe the advantage of Cabin crew and toilets will be a plus for flybe but the sector times on both routes are so short will pax actually care?? also Manx2 do have a price advantage of £10 APD over BE as their a/c are 19 seats or less. Both will be paying the £10 BLK 'development tax'. Manx2's current lead fare seems to be £19.99 with BE coming in at £29.99 inclusive of one bag where Manx2 have a charge for bags. Manx2 have established a good customer base and are being accused in some quarters of abusing their 'monopoly'. The Island needs two airlines. Given, two carriers on the same route rarely lasts more than 6 months but competition keeps prices at a reasonable level. Clearing Manx2 out of the market would not be good for anybody! For that reason I hope that Manx2 will still be on both routes and BFS for a long time to come.
BLK is a small market and two carriers are not viable.
Some are claiming this is being bankrolled by BE to get at Manx2 as obvioulsy a Q400 is too large for both routes in terms of capacity.. Good luck Manx2