Has anyone actually asked the question of was there a UK operator that actually had a spare airframe that they could commit for the length of the contract? Spare airframes during the summer months are somewhat of a novelty, especially for the charter operators that would probably be best placed for step in for this operation.
ACMI/Leasing played a major role with Globespan. For most other UK airlines, it is more of a seasonal affair for those that dabble in the leasing market.