I would agree with the above comments. I've been with bmi for around thirteen years now, nine of them as a pilot. Over that time the airline has certainly changed in shape/size and direction.
In terms of work patterns, I am a SFO on the A320/330, and have averaged no more than around 600 hours in the last few years, so bank on around 50 to 60 hours to month. I think the shorthaul only guys may do slightly more. It may all change in the future as we progress to longer range routes that will demand an increase in our flying hours.
The other great thing about bmi is the variety of work (if that's your cup of tea). I've done anything from low cost (bmi baby), through to charters, longhaul, mid haul, domestic and european nightstops. The training is also excellent and I've nothing but good things to say about this part of the company.
The company has certainly been through some tough times with a pretty savage redundancy program a few years back. The financial performance is certainly coming together, but with a lot more work to do. I think the new CEO, and indeed flight operations management, are committed to turning the company around, and any newfound optimism in the troops certainly filters down from the man at the top, who has done a fantastic job at his previous airlines.
In terms of the future, I believe we will probably progress to longer range routes within europe and the middle east, coupled with a return to transatlantic flying as stated by the new CEO. Also, it is worth noting we are one of the few airlines at Heathrow that can expand. With a sizeable chunk of slots - that in the past have been used for slot fillers/leased out to other airlines - when these return or are used for longer range routes = expansion and hopefully upwards movement for all of us...
Money. Hmm, I think the pension rates for the DC scheme are currently around 11% from the company for a minumium 5% contribution from me.... I don't think new joiners will get this, and is certainly something I believe the union are working on. In terms of take home pay, I average around £3300 in my main pay cheque, with around £700 in flight pay paid mid month. That has been with a good amount of nightstops away.
Overall, a good place to work. Not perfect....but where is?
The greatest thing about bmi is the people who work there. I have spent many a downroute trip with most crew very sociable and always up for a beer or party!
Good luck, let me know if you need any further information!
Lex