Bmibaby to focus on growth routes

Restructuring could mean job losses

BMI's low cost carrier bmibaby today (November 4) announced a restructuring with a focus on routes that are likely to grow.

The airline, now part of the Lufthansa Group, said the changes will lead to more jobs at the UK's East Midlands Airport.

But there could be job losses at Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff Airports and as well as at its head office.

The carrier said it was also cutting five aircraft from its current fleet of 17 in2010.

Bmibaby said the new strategy would focus on "routes where there are clear indications and prospects for future growth and development".

The aim was to enable the airline to "concentrate on core operations and activities and to adjust existing schedules and frequencies to maximise their potential".

It said the new plan would mean new jobs for ten pilots and 15 cabin crew at East Midlands.

But it said 54 pilots and 82 cabin crew at the three other airports were "at risk of redundancy."

There could also be 22 jobs in management and support operations lost at head office.

Crawford Rix, managing director, bmibaby, said the aviation industry was facing "its toughest time ever - it is experiencing record losses and remedial action has to be taken. bmibaby is no exception to this".

He added: "We have to focus our efforts and activities on routes and services that we believe are the best fit for our business.

"We believe that having identified and by concentrating on the core business areas and reinforcing our efforts, we can ensure that bmibaby continues to provide its customers with the best possible competitive fares as well as an attractive range of business and leisure products."

www.bmibaby.com