Originally Posted by Pilot37

It was a quick visit for G-STBD to CWL, but perhaps LHR’s maintenance team are currently stretched, so it was easier to send it to CWL for a quick check!

The pilot pool for these flights, regardless of where they live in the Country, have to report for duty at LHR to get the flight routing etc. That is why BA usually try to shuttle one plane down to CWL and bring another back on the same day to at least allow the crew start and end at LHR via a flight. If that isn’t possible - like today - then the pilots who reported for duty at LHR will be dropped to CWL by taxi (or brought back if it is a one way LHR - CWL shuttle). Just the way it works!

Pilot37