EI-BUD, didn't factor in the consequences of the EI / BA relationship in the ROI. Obviously this is all totally hypothetical as the sale has yet to be finalised and signed.
IMO, BA should they want to serve the NI market to the extent, or close to the extent, that bmi was (assuming BHD was profit making), would they fly their own metal into BHD whilst still codesharing on EI to BFS?? Would it be strange for EI to operate their own metal from BFS and codeshare on BA flights from BHD???
To be fair, Northern Ireland probably is fairly low down on the IAG / BA agenda, but having adequate LHR access, connecting capabilities, and to supply point to point demand, surely is a must for Northern Ireland and our economy. Reducing from a Star Alliance carrier offering 6 flights a day, to a sole EI operation from BFS, with only a BA codeshare, even at 4 or 5 flights a day, I think would be a disaster!! Also for the higher yielding traffic would BHD not be the preferred choice, with business lounge, dedicated airbridge, proximity etc.