Ernest raises an interesting point. We know that Stobart actually signed a contract with easyJet regarding ten years of services - within this there must have been some stipulations provided over competition. Jet2 might therefore actually not be allowed to operate from Southend in direct competition, depending on the specific clause. However, even if there was no legal requirement for them not to, would Stobart want another operator like that at the risk of souring relations with easyJet?