But
Bigears does make a very valid point.
On ONE side, who gives ATC the right to level cap. It is not only on UK and other domestics. 2Hr sectors from Iberia. Brussels issue a list of UK carriers, by FLT No who will file low. Who gives ATC the right to make commercial calls with our Airlines. It does mount up.
(I openly admit, that, prior to a we think about it, that was my viewpoint).
The OTHER side. BA Ground Handling Manual. B737, Hard and soft costs per delay, GBP200.00 per min. Factor that by .5 to take away incentive to Ground Staff. Factor it to your own fleet size.
Ask what the Cateres get fined per min for each delay.
This is a real 'never win' debate. ATC will do more than you know behind the scenes, I know, I take the calls.
Shoot. Routings and costings is a wee bag of mine. I will argue the toss with the ATCer that says I cannot do that. It is not very often.
PS, never a word from ATC when I level cap under incomming T/Atlantics thru MAN and mix jets with T/Props, and never an ASR.
Keep it up you upturned dusbin watchers.
Bored