There has been talk as to how Flybe will go about selling their Gatwick slots. This would be done via a formal written contract, but the only requirements for a contract to be valid normally is that both parties are willing and that there is the exchange of something of value - slots in exchange for cash. Once these conditions are achieved, you're then into haggling between parties.
Does ACL or Gatwick permit slots to be sold with conditions, either formally or informally ? Could Flybe sell slots to Easyjet on the condition that Easyjet does not increase capacity on Gatwick-Jersey for the next 3 years and that the slots sold must be used for other routss ? Would such a contract be enforceable in court if absolutely necessary ? Or would airlines perhaps accept a gentleman's agreement over a 3 year period ?
If such an agreement could be reached, it may give Flybe time to set up operations at Stansted instead without being driven out of London entirely. Yes, the slot price woulf be lower, but pretty much everything has a price...
Separately, anyone know if the slots are being sold from October 2013 onwards or if the sale takes effect at March 2014 ?