Not sure about the type rating question, but i would expect not. Usually pilots will only be current on either the narrow body or wide body airbus models, with a short course to convert between the two. I stand ready to be corrected though.
As to where the A330's fly to, Washington and Chicago daily, and i believe that a new route to Toronto started yesterday, initilly 4 times per week, but rising to daily some time in the future. I know that BMI are going to fly to St Lucia, Antigua and Barbados for the summer season, and are also looking at other long haul destinations from Manchester (such as India and South Africa). I am justlad to see a BRITISH airline starting some long haul routes out of somewhere other than London, even if it is because of Bermuda II retrictions.
Oh, and by the way, i had a chance to sample BMI's product on MAN-IAD-MAN last summer, and they were simply the best flights i have ever taken. Highly recommended.
Regards
Alex
