It looks very much like bmi has made an offer the board could accept. There is bound to be a period of uncertainty until all the information comes out. But one thing is certain. BA would dearly like to keep us going with the franchise as we are a great little earner for them. One of the reasons we are in a bit of financial difficulty...300lb Gorilla versus 300oz mouse !
Our CEO is ex-BA and a supporter of the franchise. He knows the problems within BA and is aware of how important Willie Walsh sees us maintaining the agreement. In the future battles Mr Walsh is going to have to fight, BMED could be the only BA tailed aircraft flying. So they will need us.
Also we are BA with Balls ! that's how we are known within the management at BA. Great
PR for BA and the UK. (remember Beirut's airport opening in August? Who was there but BMED, not BA - but the public know no different)
With Sir Michael Bishop wanting to expand into more long-haul operations we would fit very nicely into his plans. We have a significantly lower cost base (only bettered by Ryanair) and a better crew package. Can't see the two 'blending' in together that well with these issues. Our operating model is maybe the new way forward for bmi...
Also, is it a full take-over or a controlling interest ? BA might still be happy with a controlling interest, afterall bmi (as British Midland) was BA's largest franchise operator for many years so there is a precedence.
Loads to think about
and when the dust settles and if you are still interested in joining our merry band, then please do. As for those of us in here (10yrs this year!) lets hope and pray everything goes well for us and we come through this period with a new and positive direction. It will be important for us all to support each other, to dispense with the bickering and trivia for now, and to keep our spirits up until this uncertainty is over.
So, that'll be the room party in my room then !!
(Arhh, BMED room parties ! LEGENDARY !!! )