Whilst I think Pug's comment above is true in this case, I would just point out the following for the future:
1) LBA management have said in the past that they are actively seeking middle east carriers to the airport;
2) They think that the 787 will change the scope of routes that are available;
3) All those passengers filling up middle-eastern bound aircraft at Manchester ain't all coming from the north-west;
4) I would never underestimate either the ambition or the skills of the guys who are in charge up there;
5) At the time of the BHX announcement in July, Qatar said that they were also evaluating the possibility of operating from two other unnamed UK airports.
Last edited by BKS Air Transport; 17th Oct 2012 at 21:49.