Can you use a CBIR for a fATPL?
 

I am looking at doing a CBIR followed by a CPL in order to gain a fATPL as I had a IR(R) and have amassed some time P1 in IFR. As far as I was a aware there is not such rating as a CBIR as CBIR is just a route and results in an IR on your licence just as if you had completed the full IR course with an ATO.

However, I read on the website below 'For the ATPL, the “classic” IR has to be obtained.'

Is this correct, I am fixed to doing the full 45-hour MEIR?
Does the CBIR appear differently on a licence than an IR?

Sounds like nonsense to me. The CBIR is one of about 7 ways to train/qualify to take a common IR test.
They're probably referring to the fact that the CBIR knowledge exam isn't as in depth as the ATPLs, which isn't an issue if you have the ATPL exams.
In any case, for an ATPL a multi pilot IR is required. Forget about the non-existent fATPL, all you need to get hired by an airline is a CPL, MEIR and ATPL theory credits along with MCC/JOC/XYZ

​​​​

The CBIR is a full IR intended for light aircraft, but you must pass a high performance aircraft exam if you want to fly them. Having said that, the full ATP exams contain the missing bits, so in theory you would need to do those.

Thanks guys. I have completed ATPL TK and so sounds like the CBIR will work for me.

You won't need any TK then.