But the point being missed is that the SYY - BEB service is a PSO, public service obligation. This is a contract that must be tendered for in due course. Highland won it last time, from the previous incumbant, Loganair (pre Flybe days).
It would be illegal for any other operator to set up an additional service on this route to undercut them.
Incidentally the cost of the flights are agreed (if not set) by the Western Isles council. Any changes must be passed by them and approved before happening.
Another point of note is that a lot, if not the majority, of the seats are paid for by the state anyway. Most travellers are council staff or NHS staff and patients.
Perhaps Logan/Flybe will tender again next time, who knows. But in the mean time what you have got is what you have got.
The ambulift situation has been clarified on the other thread (Highland Airways).
The JS31 can use 'modified' ambulifts, available at SYY and BEB, but not INV.
The airport are required to provide them, but particularly at SYY they are often driven by HWY staff. The only reason ambulift would not be provided would be unserviceability (not uncommon) and high winds (also not uncommon). In that situation crews have been known to do all they can to assist pax with boarding. But if not possible it must be a Kingair or EC135. I have known this only once in eight years of operating the route.
My interest in this matter is as a former long serving HWY captain, and a recent new start Flybe Q400 captain.
CRX.