It is now reported that a German newspaper is saying that there are up to 12 interested parties for bmi.
So consider the following; Aer Lingus as a suitable buyer.
(Before there are 100 posts stating the obvious i.e. Aer Lingus couldnt afford,losing a fortune and all that etc etc., ignore all that and think of the following...)
AerLingus find a suitable backer (yes that's a challenge) to purchase bmi and bmibaby...
- Aer Lingus merges with a similar sized company with a similar fleet of aircraft (exclusion bmibaby)(mainline has different engines and seating config!)
- Aer Lingus take over a competitor who is operating on their busiest route Dublin/Heathrow.
- Belfast/Heathrow would be without bmi on that route and they consolidate this route? (good assuming that BA stay away)
- Merge the 2 airlines and cut costs at Bmi outfit, in the same way as Aer Lingus did way back when they started to shape up against Ryanair (remember 'low fares, way better'). Re Costs yes realise AerLingus need to reduce in current climate.
- The use of the Aer Lingus head office function as a means to removing significant cost. no Duplication of roles etc where not necessary.
- Heathrow would provide a good base for the company with good feed from Irish originating traffic, give AerLingus a strong presence in the overall London market.
- Ryanair could not set up a base there.
- Aer Lingus returns to a global alliance, ie Star? unlikely One World.
- Do something good with bmibaby. Put a focus on Manchester as a base? Especially since Ryanair not getting a base there soon??
Any thought's?
Would be (assuming was financially possible) great step for Aer Lingus and would give them some good bases quite quickly.