Well LGW – LBA was certainly profitable for the original CityFlyer back in the 90’s. However we did that one with an ATR42 with one crew member down the back.
I remember well trying to find a way to incorporate a bar service with hot meal and tea and coffee on a sometimes very short sector time. I do remember asking the front crew on one occasion if I could have more time to secure the cabin and forcing a go around as I wasn’t ready. I think that was with about 35 pax rather than the 48 we could have taken.
With the right aircraft size, right number of crew with a sensible service level it could still be a popular route. Keep it simple would be my suggestion.
For my money one of the best views out of the window in the morning for the crew – green fields and sheep grazing. Won’t tell my missus though as I’m in Yorkshire at the moment and saying how much I like Sussex to a girl from Yorkshire! South Downs over Yorkshire Moors for me I’m afraid 🙂