FougaMagister- sorry to point out but do you remember AOM? Air OUTRE MER? These routes were not slightly unprofitable, but very much. I have often picked up a bargain to Reunion, with up front being empty..that is where the money is after all. I don't know whether Noumea (new caledonia) is still considered a DOM, but again i was quite surprised when i did fly with UTA at the price i paid, considering where I was going. You havn't answered my question about the aircraft orders/slots?
JKP505- BA is not THE national flag carrier, look at BMI and Virgin, both proudly have the british flag on their aircraft and BA have long accepted this. They did after all dig their own grave for the prices they DID charge for example EDINCLCDG, they learnt their lesson, have a business model that makes more sense, although there still remains a lot of work to do. That business model focus is on the SE, although with a presence inthe regions. The SE have a higher, although not all, A grade earners it is also the business and political capital of the UK. They owe no duty to anybody just like nobody owed them a duty when they were not privatised and had the lions share without competition. well done to them for adapting to severe competition(that hurt!!), it took them long enough mind
If Cimber et al were so good, where are they now, they may have filled their aircraft....
BTW the best way of getting from ncl to osl is via ams or bru and quite competative too.