Originally Posted by
asdf1234
SWBKCB,
Not only a very expensive way to operate, but most probably an unprofitable way to operate. Let's not forget that Flybe will not allow any competition on their profitable routes; Stobart Air will have to choose new routes with all the accompanying risk associated with new routes.
And the purpose of this mad exercise in self-aggrandisement? To show that SEN can reach 2.5m pax per annum (most probably to then trigger a sale). Airport operators charge airport users to access the facilities; this takes the form of pax using car parks, tenants renting hangars and airlines paying landing fees for example.
Why on earth would you want to be your own customer? Where is the commercial logic in that? Answer - none!
Some years ago I pointed out the folly of inviting EasyJet to SEN. Their presence stops other airlines from setting up base at the airport (as the EasyJet response to competition is to price cut until the competition is bled to death). And so it has come to pass. Airlines unwilling to base at SEN due to EasyJet's presence, EasyJet removing services at will and the airport forced into running its own airline in a forlorn hope to boost pax throughput with a view to a sale of the asset.
The future looks bleak.
Break EZY hold on SEN
The idea proposed of Stobart Air is nuts. Seriously, wtf