Bagso, the problem is that I'm not sure it's been clearly established that anything is obstructing Air China starting a MAN service.
For example, if the 4 LGW flights are being transferred to LHR and Air China are adding 3 to go double daily, does it not suggest that they could have elected to put those 3 extra flights into MAN? What I'm trying to say is even if the bilateral was amended to allow more flights between the UK and China, what guarantee is there that Air China would start a MAN service? And even if they did, would the result be the same as at LGW when slots at LHR became available?
Neither has anyone confirmed as far as I know that these 3 extra flights to London will fill up the Chinese quota of 31 weekly flights if this is still the maximum.
Just to add, if the bilateral was amended to increase the number of flights allowed and Hainan was registered as one of the airlines (which it may not be at present), then in my view MAN may have a better chance.
Last edited by MANFOD; 6th Aug 2014 at 17:03.