It doesnt really need a huge
PR announcement.
How many airlines do you know will watch sky news etc and think 'oh, BHX is apparently available'. And when was the last time a new route started over something they saw in the news?
The airlines will already know where they need to go and where has the best infrastructure for future expansion. Its not about the public announcements, its about what goes on behind the scenes.
Also, like I said in the other thread, most expansion of services will come from airlines already serving the south, and if they have a regional station, they will add frequency there rather than set up a new station. This means the likes of AA, BA, VS, JAI, CO, DL will look at MAN as it would be much much easier to set up extra flights there than set up a new station.
Frankly, MAN is quite clever not to announce itself for expansion. BHX may now be the target for protests against this and meanwhile, if MAN is speaking to airlines behind closed doors, can quietly ramp up flights. For example, if AA adds a flight here and there, no one will bat an eyelid because protesters are rarely spotters and think its ok as AA have been flying here since 86, so will just be the usual.