There was a notion that Stobart could somehow help BA to hold onto surplus LGW slots. It’s nothing more than that and is more like wishful thinking by one of the two parties involved.

So what will happen to the BHD routes at the end of the EIR contract? Will they continue to be operated by Emerald or do they stay with Stobart/Ettyl?

As far I understand things, Emerald is an Irish airline and will therefore operate EI-registered aircraft so they will not be able to operate the domestic flights to/from BHD due to Brexit, unless there is some agreement put in place between ROI and the UK that will facilitate this once the current contract comes to an end in December 2022.

Stobart Air/Ettyl use their EI-registered aircraft at the moment because the current contract was awarded pre-Brexit, however they're in the process of applying for and obtaining a UK AOC and have already started the process of putting aircraft onto the G-register (according to Jethro's, an ATR72 is due to become G-CLUR), so perhaps they might end up operating the Aer Lingus Regional flights to/from BHD on behalf of Emerald; who knows?

The Emerald CEO said back in Nov 2020:

Emerald Airlines was looking forward to these negotiations in [the] coming weeks with a view to concluding a binding contract and progressing our ambitious plan to roll out a set of 15-plus ATR72 Aer Lingus-branded aircraft from Dublin Int'l, Belfast City, Cork, and Shannon.

Given Jason Scales was always a bit of an Eastern fanboy, wonder if Richard Lake is the real money behind the buyout.

And the plot thickens,,,,,,

oapilot

You could also consider serial entrepreneur Doug Barrowman - who is already involved with Jason Scales through a local 'incubator' project, has deep pockets and lives on the Isle of Man! Just saying............

There was a lot of movement at BHD of Stobart aircraft positioning to Dublin earlier today, Is this getting ready for G reg or just BHD wanting to free up stands?

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/es....co/VcvYiuUfn8
Ettyl having financing issues for Stobart Air, looking for funding elsewhere.

Apparently EI regional contract terminated with immediate effect 12th Jun, all flights cancelled. Anybody know what has happened ?

Yes the contract terminated and flights cancelled

Sounds like it’s EI that have pulled the plug ? Not good for all concerned.

Believe this was a decision by Esken, following the unsuccessful purchase of Stobart Air by Ettyl Esken were not willing to continue to provide finance to keep the airline operating. This left no other option it appears other than to ground the fleet terminate its contracts and cease operations.

Only time will tell if Emerald will swoop in and purchase the fleet etc and commence for Aer Lingus sooner than originally planned

Probably all part of the bigger picture/ idea tbh. I suspect very much a temporary blip rather than total closure.

ATR's out of Kerry and Donegal are en route to Dublin.

EI has cancelled all regional flights

What happens to people’s cash/bookings? Assume EI still hold it? And where is responsibility for getting people home - most of the public would consider themselves EI customers not Stobart.

Bad news for all concerned

According to the Irish News, Aer Lingus are contacting those affected to offer refunds or re booking
https://www.irishnews.com/business/b...t-air-2353250/

Based on the report in The Irish Times, looks like it's the end of the road for the company

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/...lled-1.4591913

Who owns the ATR fleet ? How full were the Stobart operated flights ? How difficult is it for Aer Lingus to find a new franchise supplier to operate these routes until Emerald Air are ready to fulfil their contract bid ?

Would either Eastern or Loganair be interested in a short period of contract flying ? I'm guessing they would want a lot of money given the period of flying may be rather brief

The Stobart Air notice to staff is quite extraordinary. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite so blunt or lacking humanity when telling staff that they’ve effectively lost their jobs.