Can anyone explain why British Airways has two "franchises" based in London that fly full-sized jets? I'm referring to GB Airways and British Mediterranean Airways. Both are described at http://www.britishairways.com/travel/bafran/public/en_us amongst listings for what in the USA would be regional airlines as well as three airlines based in Africa that apparently fly under BA colors. GB Airways and British Mediterranean Airways seem to have very specific mandates, but I can't figure out why those mandates aren't served by the main line. Is this at all related to airlines that have separately marked planes for flights to Taiwan? Curious, but not flaming anyone, Nick