DD
There is no smoke without fire.
Maybe there is a case to be answered, within NATS.
The service, is just that a service to promote a safe an efficient use of airspace.
Its the regular efficiency from management and equipment that may be lacking.
Hold on a minute - so we had a "minor" equipment failure this morning - Who doesn't every now and then?
I personally think that in the ATC environment us at London do a pretty good job in moving as many planes as we can as efficiently as possible - What I object to is the extra time we have to spend to make up for the inadequacies of individual airlines who won't invest money in making their operation as smooth as it can be but instead take the attitude that; "why should I do it if ATC will do it for me?"
I am not a management lacky but in this case I don't think NATS are to blame - If any of the RYR pilots read this who did not get a direct today, then I'm sorry to you personally but lobby your bosses to get things corrected.
The press release was smouldering on it's own - no fire down here!