As well as the cost of this mess (in terms of cancellations, compensation, and chartering costs), I wonder how it leaves them in a legal sense. Could someone explain how the "ticket seller" loophole works legally?
I understood (probably incorrectly) that it worked either because they acted as agent on behalf of a principal, or because the flights they "operate" are <= 19 seats, or both.
However I can't see how what's unfolding doesn't give lie to either or both of these suggestions.
They may be continually updating their website with details of who is operating their flights on a particular day, but the truth of the matter is that if I, for example, book a flight to Gloucester for this Friday, they have no idea who will be operating it (or indeed if it will be operated, but that is another story). They clearly have no contract to operate the flight in place with anyone that they can tell me they are acting on behalf of at the point of my contract with them.
Additionally, I'm guessing that a Titan 737 has more than 19 seats?
Last edited by 01475; 28th Feb 2017 at 21:37.