You make a fair point hammerb32 and I think MAN would see itself as the natural focus for serving those cities in its catchment.
Just a further thought. Do I recall reading some time ago that MAN were in talks with both Hainan and Air China? MAN have, until recently and quite naturally, always referred to Beijing but not a specific airline. If it were not Hainan, is it possible Air China are still in the frame or is that grasping at straws?