I was under the impression, under EU rules regarding PSO routes, that the license to operate the PSO could only be given to a "true" air operator (i.e. with its own AOC)?
Sure, this wasn't a problem when the last Cardiff-Valley PSO tender came out, as I believe Manx2 simply had FLM apply for it in their own right with Manx2 simply being the "bolt on" sales & marketing part.
Now, if the deal between FLM and Manx2 has fallen apart and FLM are no longer operating the Cardiff-Valley PSO....would that PSO not have to go back out to tender if the "operating carrier" as designated under that PSO has pulled out?