Scroggs,
With all due respect, it's interference from Lufthansa and SAS that is holding back the group.
Several new business routes are on hold, because they want cast-iron assurances on 'numbers'. We all know that any new route introduces an element of risk, but they are extremely unwilling to take it.
Unfortunately bmi is encumbered with individuals who do not like confrontation, hence if SAS or Lufthansa say jump, we reply 'High how?'.
Ironically the only part of the group that is operating at a profit, is regional. They are virtually independent from the rest of us, with their own board of directors and have a lot more flexibility in the way they do things. As much as I hate to say it, maybe the rest of the group could learn lessons from those up in ABZ.
Everyone thinks baby will be the group's saviour, nothing could be further from the truth. Its losing a lot of money and there is no sign of it reaching break even, let alone actually making money. Maybe once the AOC is awarded the board will do the right thing and sell the operation.
As for us in mainline, if this situation continues maybe we'll end up flying Airbuses out of LHR with Lufthansa livery. But you are correct, the Airbuses won't be wearing a Virgin livery, not now and very unlikely in the future.