… G-OOBA departed for LGW and G-CPEV departed for MAN, is this usual?

Yep, usually to get aircraft correctly positioned for either the next flight or some maintainence. Our B757’s are rated for different MTOW, so only those with the heavier weights may do the longer short-hauls, e.g flights to Egypt or The Gambia where a ‘bus just won’t do.

Lt Kije – yes it was Shaun, how did u know lol?! Both ways the captains reported 3 times, once before departure, once when at cruising altitude and once again shortly before descent.

I know these things…. 🙂 Oh, inbound was Capt Pete Thomas if you’re interested.