Human Factor wrote
So what you're actually saying is that during the ten hour flight, there were numerous alternates they could land at if required. Doesn't seem quite so bad now does it....
This is precisely why I think this incident looks bad.
Bookworm wrote
Are you saying that it is "standard operating procedure" to continue a flight to the point where it is necessary to make a Mayday call to ensure the safety of the aircraft?
I totally agree with Bookworms concerns. Having bypassed numerous diversion fields enroute, they kept on going, until they ended up with broadcasting a MAYDAY call, to ensure safety of the aircraft at MAN. You can hardly call that good airmanship - experienced BA crew or not!
VK