Originally Posted by
Globaliser
But NATS isn't owned by LGW.
Or doesn't it count as outsourcing if the contractor happens to be British instead of foreign?
I suspect it's more to do with UK CAA licensing requirements ... "You will use NATS controllers, not "get-them-down-safely.co.ru".
I have hope that some current expert will come along and advise. But 'operating an airport' has many dimensions ... Aircraft Ground handling, baggage, security etc. but I'm quite convinced that contracting ATC to the lowest bidder isn't going be an option.