How does this look for the EI code share?
Dead in the water I suspect - unless they ARE just short-term slot-fillers. Certainly, if BA are operating two-class, all business class transfer traffic will migrate to BA. Where this leaves Cork and Shannon is anyones guess.
Why would BA do this? My own theory is that EI tying up with Etihad is a factor, as it would channel Ireland - Middle East and potentially Ireland - Far East / Australia traffic away from LHR and, by extension, BA. By operating their own services they can defend those markets.
Just my 2c.
MD