It does make me wonder what MAN has to do to get a service to Hong Kong/China. Its deffinately politics stopping a prospective flight. The figures support a flight working for an airline I know for a fact the yield could be there is people swap for the direct flight. Its just beggars belief.
In other news the Russian Aviation ministry and the UK are said to be working on a deal to allow a second British Carrier into Leningrad/Saint Petersburg with up to 7 weekly slot pairs - An opportunity for EasyJet one presumes
There was a press release a few months ago where Easyjet said they already hold the rights to MAN-LED, but wouldn't start until they get the rights to Gatwick too.