As mentioned, this flight will operate with 2 sectors, LHR-ALA-ATQ. Yes AI do operate LHR-ATQ direct, however the likes of 9W, IT, QR etc require 2 or more stops and an A\C change.
My post was not insinuating that they WOULD or even COULD do a 3 sector ATQ. If anything, it was countering that they couldn't but it was inferring that surely another airframe would be required OR the frequency would be unsustainable OR one of the other 330 rotations would have to give. Otherwise bmi's 330s will be spread to thin, one tech/operational/slot delay would carry through the flying programme for days.