Originally Posted by BrianDromey

I suppose the question is where the line between applying for government-backed funding and publicly soliciting a bail-out of a private entity lies. IAG drew down government underwritten loans, it has not taken directly from the tax payer. The SRB/Virgin pleas was for a £500 million pound loan on commercial terms, but provided by HMG. To me IAG is being opportunistic and opaque with the finer details to pursue an agenda. They are clearly trying to weaken the competition and reduce their own cost base. The optics on this aren't great and does make them look two-faced. But it is a fight for survival right now and the IAG strategy is to be the last man standing. There are a lot of bad options here.