BMI
Join Date: Aug 2006
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ayroplain- like all airlines they are working in an operational environment, things can change in minutes depending on the situation. BD are obliged under Star Alliance rules to publish and make delay calls when required so in this instance you are damned if you do and damned if you dont, but hey, that's aviation for you 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: london
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It amazes me how some people have so much passion in hating and knocking bmi. Yes, they have their faults and sometimes many. As a consumer I buy something which best suits my needs, if I don't like something then I won't buy it, likewise if bmi is so terrible then why continue flying with them, theres lots of other airlines out there you can go to.
bmi is just about getting back on their feet again, as a customer i'm happy that they are at least trying to improve certain things and it will take some time to get everything right once again, so for god sake just give them a break.
bmi is just about getting back on their feet again, as a customer i'm happy that they are at least trying to improve certain things and it will take some time to get everything right once again, so for god sake just give them a break.
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Denmark
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they need a break, what with their luck in choosing destinations
1 - Kyiv, just as the the Ukranian economy crashes
2 - Tel Aviv, at the same time U2 and LY increase frequency
3 - Lybia, just when the leader decides to crush the opposition
Where next - Yemen? Algeria?
1 - Kyiv, just as the the Ukranian economy crashes
2 - Tel Aviv, at the same time U2 and LY increase frequency
3 - Lybia, just when the leader decides to crush the opposition
Where next - Yemen? Algeria?
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: London
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Let's remember that routes are not started overnight! They are planned months before... The TIP was in fact meant to start in December... Do U really think bmi would start a route to somewhere knowing it would fail/have problems... Err no
3 - Libya, just when the leader decides to crush the opposition
Places like Libya are less stable than much of the EU and come with higher risks, but it also means competition tends to be reduced and an airline has a better chance of making some good money. AFAIK, stable routes like LHR-AMS were not particularly profitable for bmi
In 2005, Ethiopia was on the verge of a revolution, but bmi still fly there.
The separation of South Sudan from the Khartoum Govt could have ended far more messily - but bmi still flies that route.
The UK and Iran have not been friendly for many years, but bmi still flies to Tehran.
The USA regards (or used to regard) Syria with contempt - bmi still flies to Damascus
Kyrgyzstan has had a very varied politics over the last 10 years - bmi still flies to Bishkek
I could go on - but you probably get the point. The violent phase of a revolution usually lasts a short period of time. After that, life has to go on, people still need to meet to do business and money gets paid for seats on flights.
For the time being, I have faith that Tripoli will be a long term money spinner for bmi
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Newcastle NI
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Money to be made
Most of bmi "Stan" route network is not about leisure traffic and the seat prices reflect that, things will settle in Libya probably without the Mad dog who must now face genocide charges in due course.
The new Libya will see a flood of investment and business opportunities which will serve bmi well.
It is rumoured on other pilot websites that 2012 will start to see baby re equip with ex bmi 319's starting with services into STN from BHD & Scotland with a view to STN becoming the bmi group second hub with all non LHR flights operated by a re positioned and re branded baby product
Meanwhile LHR will focus on STAR with only MAN,EDI&ABZ feeding LHR
LH see 3 threats to their businesses in Europe, on long haul routes it's EK which they can do little about other than hope that people choose to fly over Arab lands rather than land there
BE are seen as real threat to thin but profitable European business routes
FR are seen as less of an issue than 3 years ago and will continue to battle through the German and European courts over their ( FR) misleading claims and charges as well as state handouts from regional Governments
Bmi USA flights should restart from 2012 provide oil trends back below $100 over this summer
The new Libya will see a flood of investment and business opportunities which will serve bmi well.
It is rumoured on other pilot websites that 2012 will start to see baby re equip with ex bmi 319's starting with services into STN from BHD & Scotland with a view to STN becoming the bmi group second hub with all non LHR flights operated by a re positioned and re branded baby product
Meanwhile LHR will focus on STAR with only MAN,EDI&ABZ feeding LHR
LH see 3 threats to their businesses in Europe, on long haul routes it's EK which they can do little about other than hope that people choose to fly over Arab lands rather than land there
BE are seen as real threat to thin but profitable European business routes
FR are seen as less of an issue than 3 years ago and will continue to battle through the German and European courts over their ( FR) misleading claims and charges as well as state handouts from regional Governments
Bmi USA flights should restart from 2012 provide oil trends back below $100 over this summer
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London (Babylon-on-Thames)
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Bmi USA flights should restart from 2012 provide oil trends back below $100 over this summer
Point to point from LHR-US which won't work with no feed at either end - FAIL
LHR "Hub" to US point - STAR partners have their own hubs they can serve without the stop to the US, Lufthansa in particular
US "Hub" to LHR - US airlines Unions would kick off as LH would in effect be taking their jobs. Don't exepct United to be giving LHR-IAD to bmi anytime soon.
The only possibility I could see would be a foot in the water to a secondary market, currently unserved but with some STAR feed in the US. Also STAR see London as a focus city, not as a hub.
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Lets not forget bmi have started around 120,and ended 120 routes in the last 10 or so years,and i don't think bmi went to Ethiopia in 2005.
Join Date: Dec 2008
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BMI to Tripoli
Our illustrious Foreign Secretary stated that two commercial airlines/flights were requested by HMG to fly to Tripoli and pick up British Citizens - but they declined the request. Anybody know if BMI was one of requested?
Join Date: Mar 2008
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Skippy
UK feed is not that important any more outside of MAN/EDI/ABZ what is important is the middle east market for oil and gas which bmi have a good number of routes, London is and will remain an international hub for many businesses in part because of our legal frame work and English language.
Some people need to adjust their mindset as to what bmi is about these days instead of thinking of the farce years under SMB & NT
BFS101
It depends on how STN goes with WW, for many unless your interlining there is now little differance in travel times to London using the STN or LHR express and holding delays and tarmac delays are less at STN.
The airport fee's are much less at STN, if the WW service eats into LHR it will in the short term mean more ERJ's and higher prices on LHR-BHD, long term the slot cap at LHR will kill it unless it makes money.
Some people need to adjust their mindset as to what bmi is about these days instead of thinking of the farce years under SMB & NT
BFS101
It depends on how STN goes with WW, for many unless your interlining there is now little differance in travel times to London using the STN or LHR express and holding delays and tarmac delays are less at STN.
The airport fee's are much less at STN, if the WW service eats into LHR it will in the short term mean more ERJ's and higher prices on LHR-BHD, long term the slot cap at LHR will kill it unless it makes money.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Leeds, UK & Cork, Ireland
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I don't really understand why the group would do this.
I understand why they would want to take as many O&D passengers as possible out of LHR and that travel times from STN into central london is similar and probably less hassle. I dont think competing with easyJet to UK routes is going to go very well, unless the group can offer something more than easyJet, with DC miles, lounge access maybe a (very) light refreshment.
I call bluff on the A319s moving over from mainline to a 'rebranded' baby. BD do use these aircraft at LHR, on their European routes and the remaining domestic network. They are currently refitting them with new seats, so unless baby is being folded back into mainline, I don't know. Last plan was some more 733s and new paintwork for the rest of the baby fleet.
I understand why they would want to take as many O&D passengers as possible out of LHR and that travel times from STN into central london is similar and probably less hassle. I dont think competing with easyJet to UK routes is going to go very well, unless the group can offer something more than easyJet, with DC miles, lounge access maybe a (very) light refreshment.
I call bluff on the A319s moving over from mainline to a 'rebranded' baby. BD do use these aircraft at LHR, on their European routes and the remaining domestic network. They are currently refitting them with new seats, so unless baby is being folded back into mainline, I don't know. Last plan was some more 733s and new paintwork for the rest of the baby fleet.
Join Date: Aug 2002
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UK feed is not that important any more outside of MAN/EDI/ABZ
It depends on how STN goes with WW, for many unless your interlining there is now little differance in travel times to London using the STN or LHR express and holding delays and tarmac delays are less at STN.
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: united kingdom
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OK lets start with Dakar,Ankara,Ekaterinberg,Glasgow,Leeds,Jersey,Madrid,Paris, Copenhagen,Amsterdam,BRU, Kiev,Bombay,Vegas,Washington,barbados,Antigua,Tel Aviv,Aleppo,teeside.well thats around 20 off the top of my head.
Having once been the airline for europe BMI had dozens of routes that are no longer.
I counted over 120 with an old timer at BMI and he was surprised it was so many.
Just for interest anyone else care to help me out ?
Having once been the airline for europe BMI had dozens of routes that are no longer.
I counted over 120 with an old timer at BMI and he was surprised it was so many.
Just for interest anyone else care to help me out ?
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Midland London routes
Domestic : LPL, EMA, BHX, BFS, MME, LBA, JER, GLA
A330 : BOM
Europe : CDG, AMS, BRU, ZRH, etc
Records at home, will dig them out later.
Oddly enough MAN got the old LPL flight numbers.
A330 : BOM
Europe : CDG, AMS, BRU, ZRH, etc
Records at home, will dig them out later.
Oddly enough MAN got the old LPL flight numbers.
Last edited by Skipness One Echo; 24th Feb 2011 at 13:08.
Join Date: Nov 2006
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Venice,Palma,zurich,Warsaw,tolouse, Nice,totonto, rome,prague naples, budapest ,cork chicago,frankfurt, kristinsand ,tenerief,dusseldorf,birmingham,bergen,alicante,lille,invern ess barcelona,stornaway.
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Belfast, UK
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Regarding point to point London traffic, STN could well be a convenient alternative for some, from Belfast. However from the point of view of connecting traffic, NI only has BD and EI to LHR. EI only has codeshare with BA, (and the daily EWR for the Americas).
NI has no alternative links via Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt etc like many other UK regionals. LHR is a necessity to keep NI competitive business wise, and for long haul leisure traffic feeding into Star. Surely with EI the only competition with 3 daily winter into LHR, and NI seperated from the mainland, this route should be a cash cow for BD??
NI has no alternative links via Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt etc like many other UK regionals. LHR is a necessity to keep NI competitive business wise, and for long haul leisure traffic feeding into Star. Surely with EI the only competition with 3 daily winter into LHR, and NI seperated from the mainland, this route should be a cash cow for BD??