..Waterford do not have a PSO....so can't have a cost per pax!!!
Are those figs above per One-Way or Return passenger??
PSO;s were setup to attract Airlines to run the service and contribite to the loss it woudl be making due to the low fares it would need to sell at in order to attract passengers. There is no point in running flights from Knock etc at €350 return - sure no-one would pay that. Now if the fare was €200 - well then there is some hope!!
The airport charges are not the major cost in running these routes - so a Loss of PSO and a fall in airport charges will not attract airlines onto a route.
Then what.....?? Will the Govt let Sligo and Donegal close down.....rent the airfield for sileage?? If there is no airline (if there is no PSO- there will be no airline)...there is no point in staying open !!! Doomsday scenario here...