the penguin.....
you're kinda half right - although the post was a little sensationalist.
GB were offered an extension on the lease for A320 TTOA for a period of 6+ years when they only wanted the a/c on lease for a further 6 months approx.
Hence they haven't renewed the lease and the a/c goes back to the lessor shortly.
This leaves the airline with a shortfall in a/c numbers for a period next year, until roughly the time that the next new A321 TTIF arrives from the factory.
In the meantime a lease has been organised to cover this shortfall, i believe with Excel, using their pilots but GB cabin crew. Bit like what Astraeus are doing with Flybe at the moment with the B737's.
I'm sure someone out there knows more of the nitty gritty details but this what i'm told the situation is.
As for the parking/Beehive situation, the consultation period surrounding the move is ongoing with nothing signed or resolved yet.
Commands won't be affected long term as the lease is purely short term and total a/c numbers at GB remain unaffected.
And - R3Hard - there's definately NO problems filling left hand seats as there are PLENTY of SFO's and FO's on the seniority with the required type hours and jet hours. Command couses are on going with at least another 3 planned for early next year.
BPM