The DHC8-Q400 is not one for loco fares once you add up the taxes.
Nor is an 100 seat Embraer 190.
British Airways charges very high fares on LCY-EDI. It would appear to be very profitable for them.
Once the restructuring at Flybe has been completed, combined with the use of more fuel efficient, higher density turboprops, Flybe ought to be able to achieve significantly lower fares which reflects a lower average seat cost.
I appreciate there is a lot of skepticism about this new operation. It is a bold move. A bit a healthy competition should be seen as a positive development. The professional judgement of Flybe's management team ought not, in my eyes, be dismissed so drastically.