If true, seems strange to pos them directly to the UK? If it is the close up of the airline, the chartered flights will only be used to repatriate those overseas pax back to the UK on an ATOL protected holiday surely?
I suppose the only other explanation could be that its easier for the crew to be accommodated in the UK.
However, after last year and the CAA admitting it was an over the top exercise, if they really are on the way I would also say something has been finalised. I would also expect the likes of Titan to be awaiting on standby too... Very sad times. I also feel a bitterness against the management that have directed it in this way. Shameful.