BASSA runs the airline - and they are also both scared and desperate to lose control of their power!
Not a single aircraft can leave LHR will less crew than agreed without BA having to gain permission from Miss Malone and her pact.
Can anyone remember when BASSA ordered an aircraft enroute LHR from somewhere in the US to divert because the cabin crew were running out of hours - as per agreement - but they were within legal limitations as per JAR-OPS? WW went mad and was furious. Fully understandable.
Marty172 - Good question. The new crewing levels are above minimum legal requirements. 747 has 14 CC (A minimum of 12 is required - 11 can be carried without passengers on UD), 767 has 7 CC and CANNOT leave base with less than that. 777 has 11 CC and minimum crew is either 8 or 9 depending on configuration.
It still doesn't mean anything because BASSA will do everything they can to fight any aircraft leaving with even less crew now. That's my opinion.