Quote: "The vast majority of uk regional passengers are consuming BA services in the same way they are consuming foreign ones, which is to fly from A to C via B. I'm sure it's great news for the small numbers that want to get off in Doha, Atlanta or Philly but most don't. Even Emirates is 80% connecting, so for most people they are not offering a direct service."
Exactly, good point, but there should be a choice, and that should include the option of connecting over LHR from more UK airports. Obviously this cannot happen until LHR is expanded.
As for direct longhaul flights to/from non-LHR UK airports, irrespective of any "hub-and-spoke" orthodoxies, if/when carriers can be convinced that they can make money they will be on those routes.
For most of the likely routes there are no government impositions, bi-lateral restrictions, or airport capacity constraints.
Last edited by Fairdealfrank; 6th Jan 2013 at 00:30.