EI has way more slots at LHR than VS, they're the 3rd biggest holder of slots there. This is because EI operate high frequency flights to and from LHR where as VS operate long haul flights.
Easyjet does not fly to Ireland, and Flybe do not fly to any London airport from Ireland either.
If the slots were sold to BA you can bet that they won't be used for IRE-LHR routes as BA would find more profitable use for them on Long haul routes.
If anything, this just reinforces the fact that EI cannot be sold to FR as Ireland would lose it's LHR connections.
Last edited by Aerlingus231; 15th Dec 2012 at 14:24.