With my other half being Eastern crew, this announcement has got them worrying the LBA base might go if they retreat from LBA-SOU all together.
If flybe can get their act together and make sure A) the transit flights are smooth ones *handling agent dependant of course* 2) the infamous Dash 8 and it's refusal to play nicely with regards to going tech dissapear, the route could be a success.
Tactics wise Eastern will either fight, possibly bringing the SAAB onto the route (combined with the business friendly times) and scrap the transit SOU-LBA-ABZ and vice versa OR more likely shut up shop at Leeds. Quick check on flybe fares are looking around 30-50 quid LBA-ABZ/SOU.....
Interesting winter ahead me thinks!