Why wouldn't BA (not IAG) want the slots plus aircraft and crews? The one factor that people are missing at the moment, and why the potential purchase of slots and aircraft to fly them by BA is timely right now, is the Olympics. There has already been discussion elsewhere on Pprune re any potential for BA to operate additional flights in 2012 (not possible). BA is still perceived in many markets as the flag carrier, and has a clear association with the 2012 events. It is therfore uniquely placed to capitalise on the potential additional high yield volumes if it has the slots and the aircraft and crews to fly them. The extra profit generated could go a long way to covering the purchase cost.