Question about slots
I've got two questions about slots.
I've noticed that flights BA510 - 524 even numbers only (LHR - MAD direction) are actually operated by IB aircraft. They flights operate with IB codes in the MAD - LHR direction. Is this anything to do with slots holdings by the IAG airlines?
I've also seen that AA have purchased a pair of LHR slots for $31m from Cyprus airlines. The actual number of flights operated by AA has reduced significantly since the tie up with BA (withdrawn from BOS, JFK down to 3x daily from a max of 6x daily, reduced frequencies on DFW route, etc). What has happened to the slots - are they leased to BA? Presumably there is some time of commercial agreement?
On another matter is it just me who finds it strange that AA is undertaking a large campaign to promote its up to 17 flights a day with their BA partner from the LON area to the NYC area when they actually operate, err, three of these a day with their own metal, or again is that part of the joint operating agreement?