The big difference between BA and Air France and is that BA has responded to the Low Cost Airline challenge by targeting different market segments from its three London bases. At Gatwick for example it offers full service but low cost routes to, primarily, higher end leisure destinations that can fill both club and economy cabins. It also maintains a presence for some connecting and business passengers. On very busy routes it splits operations between LHR and LGW to ensure higher demand for leisure travel doesn't diminish LHR yields.(e.g Las Vegas, Barcelona and Nice). London City targets high yield business point to point whlist LHR remains the biggest international hub in the world.
In addition the fact that BA has not been as protected as AF for years means that it has had to respond more quickly and effectively to changing market conditions. Indeed at Gatwick next summer it is competing very effectively with Easyjet, Monarch et al on prime summer routes offering in some cases lower fares. To do this it undertooK a radical cost cutting programme that is now beginning to produce positive results for the base especially in SH, as LH from there was already doing ok.
I am not sure if AF has the capability or will to make these changes. In addition it continues to enjoy government protection that very few other European airlines are allowed under EU rules. I am not sure why these never seem to apply to AF!!
V.