Actually, there has been no decision announced as to the future of the IoM as a base. The announcement was that the whole Operations Department will be moved / merged with the Operations Department at BHX. In spite of Mr Cowan's assertion of cost savings, I have yet to hear of anyone who actually believes this to be possible. From any logical, rational examination, it would have to save costs to have the whole Operations Department on the Island, where all the staff are already located (with the exception of the few at BHX, who are responsible for 16 aircraft), and leasing costs for the property must be less than at BHX.
As with most of these decisions the assumption must be that the decision is made for emotional and / or political reasons which are then justified on (mirage-like) 'cost saving' grounds. It also must be seen as a precursor to BACX closing IoM as a base and possibly even as a destination. So perhaps you are not so far from the truth, Judge!
Last edited by GWYN; 5th November 2003 at 20:50.