FR only opened bases once BA had disappeared
In a surprise move FR opened a base at BHX, this was dont quite quickly, and came afoot EI negotiations with BHX and BFS at the time. EI publicly stated that they would choose BHX or BFS, FR quickly rushed in and set small bases up at BHD & BHX. EI as we know did subsequently choose BFS. In this instance FR proclaimed how fantastic BHD management were in concluding negotiations so quickly, 6 weeks MOL said.
FR will keep a foothold in BHX and that is in support of the EMA operation, if the charging structure is modified upwards at EMA, they can play 'we will shift services to BHX'.
BHX would be a logical base for EZY, but for them moving there would mean starting practically from scratch, and little point opening new routes that overlap with FR, as FR would react. However, the opportunity is to serve new routes and particularly to airports that are not likely to be FR destinations, e.g. CDG, AMS, GVA, MXP, CPH, TLV.. they would comfortable challenge BE there but given a major deal has been done we may see a softening of the pressure mounted on BE by EZY.
EI-BUD