I think both reasons are true, Hamish. I believe many of BA's long haul jets do have cat. 3C but the domestic flights (including BA Connect which they are selling off) are mainly operated with older Boeings or with Embraer jets which are not thus equipped. Ryanair and Easyjet operate very modern aircraft; Ryanair with the Boeing 737 800 series and Easyjet with the Airbus A319 and Boeing 737 700. The average age of their aircraft is barely two years. If things go wrong with Ryanair or Easyjet you are on your own and all you get is a refund - no coach transfer to another airport or night in a hotel like you would get with BA, but you are less likely to find yourself in such a position. Capacity constraints at Heathrow during the fog meant it was simplest to cancel the domestic flights programme which would in any event have suffered considerable disruption during the poor visibility as many of their older aircraft are incapable of operating safely in these conditions.
Regional Director for Scotland for Clan Cunningham International, and a Scottish Armiger.
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