rumour here in plymouth, is that stobarts are going to be the backers of viable. that would be a game changer!
If Stobart have involvement in any way (which I would remain speculative about), it will not be as you word it. It will be a StobartAir operation no doubt a PLH-SEN flight will be involved if that is the case and I can see VIABLE being established as a check and balance by the council to ensure the airport is being operated as it should and to act as 'Governors' of the lease. But I don't think StobartAir has the cash at the moment. They've had to have a heck of a lot of external funding outside of Stobart to develop Southend. The cash just isn't there. (Would LOVE to be proven wrong).
Good luck to all at Plymouth.