It is correct that Peter Burkill will shortly be leaving BA, as shall I.
We are among a total of 78 BA pilots - the majority of whom are Senior Captains on the B747 and B777 fleets - who have accepted a severance offer from BA and who will all leave BA on the 31st August 2009.
For most, this offer amounts to roughly $240,000 (one year's basic salary) of which $50,000 will be tax free under UK tax law, with lesser amounts being offered to those with less than 26 year's service.
I wouldn't presume to speculate on his reasons, as a relative youngster, for leaving BA so early, but it has been widely reported that he was unhappy with some comments that were allegedly made by one or two individuals in the Cabin Crew Training Centre after his incident.
We are told that BA (who, to be fair, has always backed him publicly) investigated the matter, and apparently could find no evidence of any of the alleged comments.
His reputation, amongst his fellow pilots, remains stellar; as does the reputation of his two F/Os; and his departure is widely regarded as a loss to the airline by those who know him.
Even before these 78 pilots have left the airline, BA has already embarked on a second round of pilot job cuts and are are looking to shed another 100 pilots by 31st October 2009.
Only this time there is no offer of any severance payment!
Best Regards
Bellerophon