...an American carrier was illegally contracted to fly a British civil route by Air Partner to the MOD.All other MOD charters are open to worldwide competition.
One thing though - their aircraft look much smarter than those old Icelandic-coded 747s which we used to see.
Hmmm, so it seems that is wasn't a UK carrier after all that previously operated the route...or if it was, outsourced aircraft were used.
Since when does BALPA represent Icelandic pilots?
Sounds like sour grapes to me when the MoD have clearly decided that another carrier (Omni) can provide better service...more than likely because the B747 previously used was tech delayed (gee, what an absolute surprise) and/or the 747 was simply too large, and as we all know, if you can't fill a 747 (especially an old one) its operating costs will eat you for lunch.
Of course, even if...
1. A UK carrier(s) had the long range equipment to fly the route
but...
2. Said UK carrier(s) decided not to bid....
Is then the MoD to throw up their collective hands, and give up the route?
One would hardly think so, so Omni is
it, like it or not...and apparently some don't.
Tough beans.