I'm genuinely surprised that the bmi group didn't have more faith in MME, considering that it was British Midland who operated the airport's first flight under British Midland to London, there has always been a good relationship between the airport & the airline. However, bmibaby has been heavily underfunded, which has not allowed them to keep up with the rapid expansion at other northern airports by rival low-cost airlines. Simply, the chopping of routes & schedules to try to keep up with the competition meant there was little confidence by consumers in the airline. I think the bmi brand will be tarnished by this move, and feel very sad for the staff who will be laid off or relocated as a result of the announcement, as well as those at aviance who will be affected.