Originally Posted by
FQTLSteve
Well.... BA did have regional ops....they had a purpose built hub at BHX! both AF and LH have developed regional services, as BA did. LH...FRA and MUC major hubs. But LH have also mini hubs at DUS (quite close to FRA) and at HAM, they have also begun to build up BER. AF have embarked on regional expansion in France. OK so it's all gone here in the UK. BA aren't bothered, BHX and immediate catchment area is Europe's 10th largest conurbation
Actually this is not a correct view. AF don't do any regional operations; if you go to Nice say, the only actual AF services you will see operate to Paris, just like BA domestics from Heathrow. You will see some regional operations from there run by an associated company with RJs, which is not dissimilar to FlyBe, with their 15% BA ownership which gives a seat on the board, and multiple regional hubs. The only real difference seems to be that one paints up their aircraft in the mainline colours (although not when CityJet are the regional operator) and the other does not.
Over in Germany it's much the same, by the way.