Yes that is true about SAS being state funded. Only 7.4% is privately owned.
British Airways has to compete with a number of airlines in the EU, which would never be allowed to go bust by their governments....Italy, France, Greece, Spain.
Why should their employees enjoy secure employment and better T&C's than those offered by British carriers? This Labour government is happy to help out the banks (£bns in bail outs), car manufacturers (scrappage scheme) and the property market (no stamp duty for properties under £175,000), yet loads up the airlines with APD?
If BA is so rotten with old fashioned working practices and over paid management and employees, perhaps it should be allowed to go bust. How can the airline compete with other EU carriers that will always survive no matter what?
BALPA blinked too soon. How foolish their members will feel in two years time when BA is making record profits again, as it has time after time.