Exactly MarkD, it's possible in this changing aviation world. In the early nineties most pilots at Aer Lingus reckoned that Ryanair would be gone within a couple of years, look at them now, the biggest airline in Europe. Last year FR caused a stir by making an aggressive attempt to take control at EI which for the time being has been suppressed. Take a look around, it's uncertain times over ownership at Iberia, Alitalia, bmi and the list could go on and on. Iberia have clickair, bmi have bmibaby, BA have GB as a franchise, why not a subsidiary for Aer Lingus? After all, if based in NI the pilots would be paid in Sterling presumably? If there is a threat to T&Cs then IALPA should oppose it vehemently but it could get nasty in my opinion.