The only thing that's clear is that there's not enough room at in the inn for everyone. I'm not sure how many of the new slots BA want, but Virgin want at least 14 for this winter and bmi want 13 from March 2005. As far as I'm aware, there are only 21 available, which are to be released 7 at a time - 7 this winter, 7 next summer, 7 next winter.
Anyway, does anyone really think that the government will hand them out
fairly?
I don't think things will go as low as "back-handers" and masonic handshakes, but I suspect that the lion's share would go to whoever is more pally with "the powers that be" - something that Sir RB is very good at. After bmi's continual fist-thumping about not getting LHR-US routes, they might have lost their popularity with the government, particularly as the Chairman is a card-carrying Conservative!
Oops - better stop now. Getting all political.
