Look, before this gets too bitchy, as an EPTA student (airborne as opposed to groundborne), I'd just like to say the phrase 'loss leader' - if you think about it, that's what this is, i.e. EPTA have invested a lot of money, and are using this tactic to get bums on seats. Normal practice in any industry, for example, when a new gym opens in your area, they offer discounts to initial members until critical mass is achieved.
No doubt normal service will be resumed in due course.