Interesting that FR is pulling so many routes previously served in the winter which is indicative that the next phase of the recession is going to be bloody.
The public sector cuts across the EU will reduce the disposable cash for many people not just those employed within public sector but for many companies and industries who have a part of their turnover reliant on trading with the public sector.
Its probably like the UK situation 3 years ago when Tesco was worrying about the impact of Aldi / Lidl on their business model as they were seeing the downturn earlier than many other businesses. There are always indicators of what is really happening out there.
Unless something dramatic happens its going to be a very hard winter for all.
No doubt the anti FR brigade will be feeling smug but perhaps they should consider that if the airlines leading growth within the industry slow down then the ones who were way behind a growth curve may no longer be around.
Just like BA has suffered with the demise of the Premium passengers on their key long haul routes the prognosis for others isn't looking good.