More likely because the new team at Leeds are doing their utmost to prove it isn't a single market and they can serve demand that originates in the LBA hinterland from LBA - the whole basis of their pitch to the local council this morning. Their entire business plan is based on this premise so things like PIA are important symbolically to them as much as financially and no doubt PIA were offered a very attractive deal on handling fees. Unless the crewing arrangements at LBA are particularly expensive vs MAN, it's hard to imagine why the cost base would be massively different
I agree though, withdrawal of the A310s will force the decision. Even if it goes, the 3 years of operation is probably enough to prove the point the airport want to make about passengers in their own catchment choosing LBA over MAN if the choice is there.
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