I used to use the PIK-STN regularly for business especially the first flight out and last flight back albeit it was a long day in London as the last flight was half nine or something like that. However both flights used to be between 90-100% full so lack of demand wasn't the issue - FR can blame APD but it was probably more due to utilising the aircraft on more profitable routes such as the sun destinations as well as competition from EZY up the road at GLA taking the 'low cost' business flyer willing to pay a bit extra but still not wanting to get fleeced by BA. It's interesting to note that the LDY flights remain with load factors of between 50 and 60% on average.