By speaking in terms of a 'free run', I was really referencing the prospective scenario which would have left Virgin Atlantic pretty much in a monopoly position on key MAN-USA routes post-Covid. It was more related to AAL and UAL stepping back from the fray for now. BA has been out of the picture for years, so obviously they were at ease with the status quo in the interim, but Virgin having the North to themselves is something else. The introduction of Aer Lingus ensures healthy competition all round.