At BA the only service we are launching is from LCY. Futhermore we are leasing 4 x 777 which will like a number of our other 77's does not have 'first'. First and Club bookings have taken a 2% downturn in the last month. Much of Silvers service that attracts the punter is the late check-in but that is offered by Virgin from LHR.
Whatever the outcome of LCY and its 2 x 318's BA can easily write that off if it makes no monies. The LCY operation is nothing whatsoever like silver it will have new economic aircraft and will require only the minimum ground handling costs. Our Open Skies service is now going to operate as a codeshare with another EU operator that has been flying a similar service to the USA for a couple of years now thus minimising the risk.
Finally all airlines offer advantages like Air Miles and I .do not know when WW made any comments about the niche market operators. He has more than enough to worry and concern himself with at LHR / LGW. As loads get worse this summer I would not be suprised to see many offers from the USA carriers out of LHR that will futher deflate everyones earnings.