Bmi have a significant share of the LHR slots, however, what they have is not that much within the context of having a widespread hub at LHR. From what I can see they only have a limited number of routes albeit some at high frequencies. They have dropped routes and chopped and changed slots alot in the last few years there.
There has to be merit in a tie up with Virgin if they really see an opportunity at being a real challenge to BA. Singapore Airlines have a large share of VS and through the Star Alliance there is surely an aspiration to get something strong going in one strong brand to compete with BA and Once world at LHR?
I can see a new brand emerging in the guise of united Virgin and Bmi, especially when so much media hype about BA´s challenges at present (not ignoring the fact that most airlines are having a hard time at the moment)
What does anybody else think?