My thoughts.....pure guess work & intuition....but we know for sure that BA are going to cut 5 longhaul routes and get rid of an additional 5 longhaul aircraft.
The disposals seem to be some of the early 777s. this seems to indicate that the 767 has had a reprive, especially considering that 3 of the rested 767s have returned to LHR. The 767 tanker project is not due to be decided until next year (earliest) and in comparison the 777 are more likely to sell.
CLT is being served via BWI from LHR. The loads are fairly good for the 767 with a fair amount of premium traffic and freight to & from CLT. I was told (not sure as to accuracy) that Bermuda II agreements prevent CLT being served direct from LHR. ATL used to be a 767 destination and DTW (formly served by 747) now has loads sutiable for the 767. Moving Long Thin routes to the 767 is continuing with TLV, JED and DAR being served by it by March.
Prior to Sept 11, the 767 had a interior revamp package approved and budgetted. I can see this being implamented with the 767 taking over more of these long thin routes. The question is wether a First product is provided or a large Club World cabin with the sleeper seats. These aircraft would all operate from LHR. LGW would be left with Carribean and a scattering of leisure routes. I reckon more routes such as DEN, IAH, DFW etc will be moved to LHR when the oportunity presents itself.
The route closures - not sure will be intersted to see.
More fundamental in the North Atlantic arena is that if UA declare Chapter 11, they will shortly be followed by AA, DL & CO all seeking the protection of the courts while they restructure. This will enable them to utterly swamp the market with cheap tickets which will completely decimate BA; Future Size & Shape or not....
May you live in intersting times..... . <img src="frown.gif" border="0">