Its actually quite interesting to see what people can interpret from the clues. Some interesting ones so far!
Is there a particular reason why you can't name the airline?
In terms of long haul, South African and Malaysia are in an appaling state financially.
The US legacies have AA/US over subscribed in my view, United adding IAD but at the expense of a EWR rotation in comparison with EDI where ORD was in addition to twice daily EWR which leaves DL which only recently dropped JFK, a much stronger O&D hub than DTW. The MAN-strong hub options are already served, the first tier is already covered.
Primary driver of the route is cargo (Ironically cargo originating in the Midlands) and connections.
Then that really is all I can say.
Which therefore leaves United to IAH or Delta to Seattle.
#boredwithgames