There is no way that Stobart Air can operate all 18 routes with just their own ATRs. There are not enough routes to be served with that type. They need to get larger and longer ranging aircraft to open up potential markets. I don't see how else it can work. What's more strange is that they simply turn around and say 'actually we're going with an extended Flybe franchise', which to me suggests they could have been negotiating with both airlines simultaneously, otherwise this news will come as a bit of a surprise to Flybe. Someone needs to bring some clarity to the situation.