Barrington had mentioned the venture may be operated by a subsidary
It would be easy enough, and possibly desirable for EI, to set up a separate company on different T's&C's in the US or any EU state to "operate" the service. Perhaps, for accounting purposes, dry leasing the AC from EI. That way, any losses could be ring fenced and any profits payed back via diviends or loans to the parent.
JAS