Wow - certainly we do live in interesting times!
About time the aviation industry realised the need for some consolidation or else someones going to go to the wall sooner or later.
Slots out of LHR as KFW has said would be very much at the forefront of managements mind - making BMI a very attractive aquisition. However scheduled shorthaul is already a struggling market, especially full fare. So I can't see BA wanting to take on more shorthaul routes at the moment.
However Virgin and it's large N.American market (Where BA makes most of it's money) is a very attractive proposition, as well as it's slots at LHR.
Anyway! All pie in the sky stuff. I can't see BA blowing cash reserves on buying up other airlines in uncertain times.
IMHO another great bit of self promotion from the King of free advertising Richard Branson. You've got to admire the guy, he certainly does have a flair for the dramatic!
Why buy Concorde? Just buy the parent company!!! lol!!