Why did GB open a base at MAN towards the end of 2005? Do the GB directors want to break away from the BA franchise? Alternatively, do they think BA doesn't want to renew the franchise with GB?
At the end of the day GB are securing new markets in case they are no longer a franchise partner.
The difference between GB and BMed is that BMed had to be rescued by BMI whilst GB will probably survive on it's own due to a bit of foresight by its directors.