Jet2 did a deal with Flybe on the NCL-LGW route, in fact both airlines advertised flights for the each other to ensure a smooth changeover!!
The capacity of Flybe's aircraft is more suited to this route.
There is no doubt the DH8 is far better suited to the route than a 737.
I have travelled on this route quite a bit since it started. I usually use the first flight from LGW-NCL on a Monday and Thursday am and return on the last flight from NCL-LGW on a Monday and Friday. Every time there is only ever a max of 50 pax on the flight. Does anyone know if the other flights during the day are busier or are the yields on the route quite high??. One thing I would say about the route is that it needs a earlier departure from LGW-NCL(say around 06:30) and a later service from NCL-LGW ( around 19:30). This would make the route appealing to day trip business pax who are based in the south.