Whilst Diamond Club members are probably sitting pretty and IAG has a bunch more slots, there are some big losers in the sale of British Midland International: Lufthansa. Oh dearie me. Lufthansa really bit off more than it can chew when it was forced to buy BMI from Sir Michael Bishop (and that's silly of Lufthansa to agree to the push/pull sale agreement in the first … [Read more...]
IAG takeover of BMI complete
Well, it seems Lufthansa has some cash, and International Airlines Group has an airline, with slots at London Heathrow. IAG Has posted a press release stating as much at http://www.iagshares.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=240949&p=irol-rnsArticle_Print&ID=1685377 The plan remains to integrate BMI Mainline out of London into British Airways. However there is a question of … [Read more...]
Birmingham airport attracts a full time EasyJet service
EasyJet is deciding to risk it again at Birmingham, with the launch of a Birmingham to Belfast International Airport (Aldergrove) Service. The service will operate daily to start with on 22nd October, and ramp up to a two flights a weekday and one flight a day on weekends service from 29th October. Currently Birmingham to Belfast is served by BMI Baby and FlyBe, who … [Read more...]
A second group enters the frame for BMI Baby….
It seems there is a fight brewing for BMI Baby. Yes, I laughed at that too. But apparently people are interested in the British Midland Airways Low Cost Carrier, with a second group - quoted as an "EU based Airline Group" now joining the action. British Midland Airways say: "This potential new owner, which has operations in several countries across Europe, would acquire … [Read more...]
BMI Futures Week – Things to think about…
Well I was going to write about the Virgin threat, but lets be frank - It isn't creditable unless they manage to throw a big spanner with the EC/Monopolies Commission. So let me wrap up this discussion for a bit - until it all goes pear shaped (which knowing BMI - is entirely likely) Status - If you've got to a certain point, hang on tight. If you're short before say April, … [Read more...]
Airplane Art – BMI Baby Boeing 737-300
It's Sunday again, and to celebrate the oncoming rescue of BMI Baby, it's a BMI Baby Boeing 737-300 sitting at George Best Belfast City Airport in the late evening. More airplane art of course next week! … [Read more...]
BMI Futures Week: What about the Baby? (The BMI Baby that is)
There's been am Elephant in the Room in the sale of British Midland Airways to Interational Consolidated Airlines Group, and it's been BMI Baby. The Low Cost Carrier (operating a fleet of 737-300/500 aircraft, based out of various UK airports) has been a questionmark in the sale of the sale - with IAG getting a discount from Lufthansa if they failed to sell the unit … [Read more...]
BMI’s Prock-Schauer rallys to the troops ahead of the sale…
As we are all aware (or if you've been living under a rock), British Midland Ltd - comprising of British Midland International, BMI Baby and BMI Regional is on the block to be sold by Lufthansa to International Consolidated Airlines Group (owners of British Airways and Iberia) with Virgin Atlantic making grumbling noises in the background. Well a post on the FlyerTalk BMI … [Read more...]
WW: New fares to confuse you all
BMI Baby seems to be modifying itself. Or it's paid a visit to the Strategy Boutique to get some new ideas with the changes of fares operated by the airline. Instead of the old two types of package, they're confusing matters with 3 types - FlyPlus, FamilyFly and Fly. FlyPlus is BMI Baby's go at a business product. This adds to your booking: No flight change fees One … [Read more...]
The News Roundup, US Immigration, EK
It's Friday, so it's time to wrap up this week in Civil Aviation and ponder what people were thinking this week: US Immigration Considers $10 on ESTA service. I'm not going to repeat this here - head to my Soapbox entry. EK Send a A380 to BHX I wasn't going to cover this.. but hey. Here it is - an Emirates Airbus A380 landing safely at BHX (does that mean BHX … [Read more...]