Whatever anybody thinks about the EU, it is undeniable that the creation of the Single European Air Transport Market between 1993 and 1997 was a landmark achievement which could not have come about otherwise. In other words, no such thing (within the single market) as a 'British' airline, 'Irish' airline etc. Only community carriers, free to fly where they chose, as often as they chose, with whatever prices they chose.
The SSK, I agree completely with your closing line that things probably wont change. However, the above comment is worthy of some debate. Most would agree deregulation has been a good thing. More people travelling and lower pricing in most cases. However, in the long term there are huge down sides. Look at the US. There are now a few big carriers and a few niche ones. Deregulation has lead to huge competition, loss making carriers until we arrive today where consolidations is the order of the day, we are back to square 1, few carriers charging higher prices. The US airline industry is now collectively profitable (not all down to low fuel prices), the customer is paying more.
The UK has a handful of airlines now, whereas say at the turn of the century there were probably 3 times as many. The resultant is too much power held by a few big carriers. The downside, some of the smaller airports get nothing. There is an argument to be had on this topic. Not clear cut positives all over.
Less jobs it could be argued with fewer carriers, hence duplication of roles removed, eg bmi adsorbed into BA, BA short haul adsorbed into Flybe, etc. etc. And despite the growth in low cost flying some sources say that it is likely if there had no rise in the low cost airlines, we would still probably see almost as much air travel, just in a different form. I'd be glad to hear the perspectives of others on this topic.