Racedo-As for loss making....................given Aer Lingus losses over last 5 years I don't think that can be used as a prerequisite as to who can fly the route.Well they have been profitable in 2010 and 2009. Current estimates are for approx 100M profit in 2012. I can't deny the losses occured in 2008 and 2009 but they were before the extensive cost reduction and streamlining program.
I have to concur with the opinion of Flybe as non-Irish. While that lable is not nice it does remain valid that Flybe do not have a loyalty and brand awareness to equal that of EI in Ireland. (Sometime I am sure FR have factored into their planning) In fact it could actually take Flybe 3 years to properly make use of those EI routes, by which time FR can swoop in and reopen them all with their multitude of B737's.
Another option could be FR waiting 2-3 years and closing the remaining 50% of EI shorthaul. Unsustainable route network, no economy of scale could be the quoted buzzwords.