The overall load factor for the easyjet operation was below 70% most months at DSA, mainly due to the AMS flights. Stelios once said that, as a rule of thumb, there is no way that a flight makes a profit unless it has at least a 70% load. They may operate some routes which dont always hit that load from other airports, but that the entire operation may bring the overall load factor up into the 85%+ range. It must be remembered that airlines are offering a highly perishable product, at very small profit margins.
The 'will it, wont it' link road debate will go on even after the road has opened I'm sure. Crucially what the passengers want, as Lysander has pointed out, is flexibility on destinations, flight timings, costs and often operators. With propensity to fly actually being fairly low in South Yorkshire, and with East Midlands, Manchester and Leeds Bradford all competing for the same passengers but with the ability to offer the criteria I set out, it makes the job of the relevant departments at DSA look all that more difficult. It should also put the link road into perspective.
