Yes, flow control was always going to be an issue, and I'm very glad it hasn't been as bad as it might have been.
It has however been somewhat worse than the rather disingenuous "only for 10 days" promised by NATS. Remember that it was here on PPRuNe, that the truth was first told... as I recall 60 days was mentioned. Who do you trust now?
As for getting the sectors up to capacity, yes it's going to happen. Probably by the end of the month, assuming no serious failures of kit, the RT is "fixed", and staff feel confident.
Now, having the sectors up to capacity doesn't actually mean that we will be able to open them. There are concerns that there are not enough Controllers and Assistants to "split" all the sectors required in the summer. We are already having some problems (see Todays CFMU page) and not many people are on leave at this time of year. Come the summer....?
Staffing is an issue. I don't have all the facts, but perhaps someone who does can enlighten us all?
Sorry about the "Musak". I've never actually heard it myself, any suggestions for a replacement? "Hanging on the Telephone" perhaps, by Blondie (1979ish?.... yes, I had THAT poster as well). .
Rgds BEX