OK. Look. This is definite. It came from the Costa Coffee manager in T3:
Branson and Bishop have finally sorted out their differences (no, not that one!) and the deal is with the lawyers for final approval. The beardy one has bought the whole show for an undisclosed sum. The keys factors are:
- The amalgamated company will commence long haul transatlantic operations using bmi A330s from LHR 'as soon as possible'.
- bmi mainline crews will operate a full 'mixed fleet' schedule combining short- and long-haul operations, 'difference' courses to commence on a rolling programme with the manufacturer in August.
- Balpa pay claims for bmi crews to be met in full and backdated to the 'no rise' point of April '03.
- Donington Hall to close by the end of '04 with all ops functions parented at LGW.
............ I think that's what he said, anyway.
