I used them to Freetown in 'business class' about a month ago. Abysmal does not cover it.

Why?

• 80% seats where broken and needed manual intervention to get them upright
• The service was shocking all the way though, with the most surly CSD (or whatever they call them) I have ever seen
• The business cabin was not kept separated from Y class, with the curtain open the whole flight, and at one point the exit area in front of my seats (row 6) being used as a social club for passengers from all over the aircraft
• The queue at one point for the J loos was past my seat (row 6!), incidentally, few if any of the people queuing were travelling in J
• The seats were uncomfortable
• They do hand out mini-TV's which are fine, and have an ok selection of movies and TV
• The food in normal BMI mid-haul J catering, and on the most part was very good

My flight back from Freetown was on a BMI operated aircraft, with BMI product, and was fine, good food, good service. The Astraeus flight was a nightmare - but I am sure this was mainly down to the poor crew, esp the CSD who I feel totally lost control of her staff and the cabin. Shouting 'sit down now' and literally throwing a plate of food down on your table to serve you, no welcome drink and an hours wait to get one is in no way acceptable. Moody old moo.