Well.... BA did have regional ops....they had a purpose built hub at BHX! both AF and LH have developed regional services, as BA did. LH...FRA and MUC major hubs. But LH have also mini hubs at DUS (quite close to FRA) and at HAM, they have also begun to build up BER. AF have embarked on regional expansion in France. OK so it's all gone here in the UK. BA aren't bothered, BHX and immediate catchment area is Europe's 10th largest conurbation.... location to LHR irrelevent as per LH ops previously mentioned i.e DUS is near FRA. MAN big but no BA....etc. This is not going to change, but France has had considerable political devolvement, so is not as centralised as UK and now more like Germany. Seems the UK is BA LON (LHR,LGW,LCY) with BA condescending to serve a few cities to connect through the hellishly decrepit LHR so just go STAR or SKY TEAM, support those that support your local airports. Win Win! Stuff BA and LHR! Sorry not BA s/b LA!!