Bmi has been around now for several years and like other airlines has suffered hardships during the downturn in business, not only since 11 Sept but previously during the Gulf war. It is quite clear that they and indeed any other UK airlines should be given the oppurtunity to be able to fly to the US from LHR if they so wish, they call it competition. Maybe SMB is not one to sucker up to the right people. Simplistic view I know but why can't a British Airline, from where it has its base, fly to anywhere it so wishes. Time for a change...watch out BA and Virgin.