EZY7117LPL
I agree with you re Air Berlin, as after the pulling of the KLM route they need an interline connection to a hub airport. However would suggest maybe Dublin would be an idea given low APD rates there, also customs clearance in Dublin rather than US. Bottom line you need that HUB connection like Leeds has managed to regain, and Manchester has always had. Maybe tap up BA while they are looking at regions again, they need parlimentry support re LHR so getting local MP,S to lean on Mr Walsh might start the ball rolling, but I think that maybe a big ask.