1. Yes, this is IAG purchasing BMI Ltd. Not BA
2. The main objective for the purchase was to increase share-hold of slots at Heathrow - for BA predominantly I suppose?
3. IAG wish to increase long-haul capacity at LHR - through BA.
4. Short to medium haul is of secondary value and has been subject to substantial loss for bmi and under-performs for BA. Most likely due to massive competition from Lo-Cos.
5. Why would BA wish to expand upon or re-enter this market? (a la GB & BMED -which they both sold).
6. Iberia Express has been a much discussed venture. Now you have the infrastructure through the purchase of bmi. Additionally, you have a fleet of aircraft to allow the BA business at LGW to go all Airbus.
7. Those in the hold pool will be swimming much longer. First indications are that the 'deal' will be finalised come April 2012. There is much to be settled until then. I doubt the question of what to do with 300 pilots at bmi and 100 future pilots at BA will feature quite heavily.
My opinion thus far. I might be reading too much in between the lines here?
Last edited by Callsign Kilo; 4th Nov 2011 at 11:12.