Only Pilots?
Many of the comments in this thread seem to assume that only BA pilots will be seconded, and that these personnel will be used to fly planes...
From the Daily Mail (and I do apologise for using this as a source):
"BRITISH Airways pilots and other aviation staff could be loaned to the RAF for up to four years........Staff could be seconded in flying and groundbased roles"...
So no official guarantee of a flying seat at this point.
In addition, could this move be seen as 'State Aid' to BA? The wording on any contract would have to be very carefully drafted to avoid other airlines crying foul.