Renting an Aer Lingus A320 to do low cost sun routes? OK Flybe really have lost it if this is not just a rumour!
I thought they just told the market that they are going back to basics and focusing on developing their niche UK services which is where they are making money. To blow it all away on leasing in Aer Lingus 320's would be crazy especially when considering how late In the season it is to start selling 180 seats for next summer. EZY and FR are sure to respond to this if it's true.
1 - EI 320s have 174 seats
2 - If they can fill 100 seats already with high fares and a high cost base and FR and EZY don't care then why would they respond to this. They don't even operate to SOU, EXT, while EZY don't serve BHX and FR are pulling an aircraft.
3 - To late of next summer, seriously? Airlines have very very low forward bookings for next summer. Its Xmas/NY period when bookings happen in volumes.