Mr. Myles Worth:

I have an article here which might give some background. Should IAG complete the acquisition, the focus will then be on how these slots are used. Some will undoubtedly be used for services to Ireland but everyone realises that the real prize is long-haul usage of these slots. Let us take mainland China as one example. The table in this article highlights just how weak British Airways' position is at the moment in terms of its service to the world's fastest growing market. Based on planned February 2015 schedules, British Airways goes to three destinations with 68 flights; Air France has four destinations with 106 flights; KLM has five destinations with 88 flights; and Lufthansa four with 108 flights. From a competitive perspective, the value of IAG-BA to those extra 20 slots per day to allow further expansion into new markets is pretty compelling. There is an argument as to how weak they are already in London.