I tend to agree with JSL, mixing crews up introduces an amount of complexity into an operation...what if the crew aren't airbus trained....what if the hours aren't compatable.....what if our agreement doesn't cover this type of flying...what if....what if.....?
I presume "the mate" has access to the flights timings even though the slots haven't been decided on in NYC yet, and I presume he has taken into account that the LGW-JFK won't change timings, and I presume he knows the whole winter 09 programme already, and I presume he knows the crewing levels that will be needed for that season....?
It's all rumour and conjecture at the moment, wait until it's on CARMEN.
YD