BMI
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bmi sells Heathrow slots as it plots recovery
ATW Daily News
Friday December 11, 2009
Bmi CEO Wolfgang Prock-Schauer said this week that he believes the "potential" exists to turn around the loss-making UK carrier and confirmed it recently sold several London Heathrow slots to address the group's liquidity shortage.
"It is no secret that bmi had a £190 million ($308.9 million) capital requirement, and we now have sufficient liquidity to get through the winter," Prock-Schauer told ATWOnline at Brussels Airlines' Star Alliance joining event in the Belgian capital. "We completed slot sales at Heathrow," he said, while declining to reveal how many pairs were sold. "We have plenty of slots left to have a good network out of LHR." Bmi also secured a £95 million loan from Lufthansa, which became bmi's sole owner in June.
UK media speculated last month that bmi sold six pairs of takeoff and landing slots to Swiss International Air Lines for around £60 million, allowing LX to commence a six-times-daily Geneva-LHR service on Jan. 10. A Star airline CEO who requested anonymity told this website that all recent bmi slot sales were conducted with Lufthansa Group airlines and Star members.
Regarding bmi's restructuring, Prock-Schauer said, "The target is to achieve breakeven in 2011. Once the group is back to profitability, all options are open. But now the focus is on restructuring." He promised that for the moment the group will retain the current three airlines--bmi regional, bmi mainline and bmibaby. The latter two recently announced significant restructuring plans.
Friday December 11, 2009
Bmi CEO Wolfgang Prock-Schauer said this week that he believes the "potential" exists to turn around the loss-making UK carrier and confirmed it recently sold several London Heathrow slots to address the group's liquidity shortage.
"It is no secret that bmi had a £190 million ($308.9 million) capital requirement, and we now have sufficient liquidity to get through the winter," Prock-Schauer told ATWOnline at Brussels Airlines' Star Alliance joining event in the Belgian capital. "We completed slot sales at Heathrow," he said, while declining to reveal how many pairs were sold. "We have plenty of slots left to have a good network out of LHR." Bmi also secured a £95 million loan from Lufthansa, which became bmi's sole owner in June.
UK media speculated last month that bmi sold six pairs of takeoff and landing slots to Swiss International Air Lines for around £60 million, allowing LX to commence a six-times-daily Geneva-LHR service on Jan. 10. A Star airline CEO who requested anonymity told this website that all recent bmi slot sales were conducted with Lufthansa Group airlines and Star members.
Regarding bmi's restructuring, Prock-Schauer said, "The target is to achieve breakeven in 2011. Once the group is back to profitability, all options are open. But now the focus is on restructuring." He promised that for the moment the group will retain the current three airlines--bmi regional, bmi mainline and bmibaby. The latter two recently announced significant restructuring plans.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: uk
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Will Aircraft and crew be leaving bmi Regional or has the take over of the Brussels flights out of Bristol and Newcastle utilised the spare capacity from the reduced Heathrow operations using the 145's? Or will they come from a reshuffle in the Network? 
Last edited by woofly31; 21st Dec 2009 at 08:48.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: LHR
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just to clarify, if anyone hasn't figured it out by now....bmi was run until June this year for the SOLE purpose of lining the pockets of one old b'tached, b'specked gentleman (the 'Bish) and the triangle of Airline-Aircraft Leasing-Ground Handling has been used as a mthod of leaching money out of the operation, hence why the certain a/c are going back as soon as LH can get rid! It was HIS airline, run to HIS advantage, developed conservatively to ensure his pension.
It was run as more of a personal cash cow than an airline, and now the rot has been exposed....unfortunately landing a lot of hard working, good people in a horrible position of expecting P45's in February (including myself
).
It's very sad, no wonder he didn't even have the b&!!s to say goodbye to his staff....
It was run as more of a personal cash cow than an airline, and now the rot has been exposed....unfortunately landing a lot of hard working, good people in a horrible position of expecting P45's in February (including myself
).It's very sad, no wonder he didn't even have the b&!!s to say goodbye to his staff....
It's very sad, no wonder he didn't even have the b&!!s to say goodbye to his staff....
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: essex
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
sas319
What does that mean, exactly?
Well, I suppose it means they want exactly what you might possibly want: to be consulted before a change is imposed on your working conditions.
Well, I suppose it means they want exactly what you might possibly want: to be consulted before a change is imposed on your working conditions.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CP and DFO
In some respects I am sad to see these guys go, without question deeply committed and hard working men.
However, bmi pilots now desperately need strong and inspirational new leadership and I sincerely hope the new structure that emerges next year is able to motivate a down trodden workforce.
I also hope new personalities with increased expertise and better man management skills are brought into the frame, maybe from within the ranks or externally.
It is widely viewed that the Fleet Managers in particular are extremely poor at motivating the guys. Indeed whilst their documented remit includes this requirement, over many years they have simply failed due to no structured strategy for motivation, with resultant weak leadership. Communications are mostly through poorly written notices, thus large elements of the men and women don’t even know who they are. Leadership is not about lambasting these men and women.
The men and women also don’t need consultation meetings that will not deliver facts on redundancy. They need clarity whether it’s good news or bad for their family’s sake.
I believe now is the time for high calibre "people centred" professionals to take a grip and lead this community..
Let’s hope………
However, bmi pilots now desperately need strong and inspirational new leadership and I sincerely hope the new structure that emerges next year is able to motivate a down trodden workforce.
I also hope new personalities with increased expertise and better man management skills are brought into the frame, maybe from within the ranks or externally.
It is widely viewed that the Fleet Managers in particular are extremely poor at motivating the guys. Indeed whilst their documented remit includes this requirement, over many years they have simply failed due to no structured strategy for motivation, with resultant weak leadership. Communications are mostly through poorly written notices, thus large elements of the men and women don’t even know who they are. Leadership is not about lambasting these men and women.
The men and women also don’t need consultation meetings that will not deliver facts on redundancy. They need clarity whether it’s good news or bad for their family’s sake.
I believe now is the time for high calibre "people centred" professionals to take a grip and lead this community..
Let’s hope………
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
However, bmi pilots now desperately need strong and inspirational new leadership and I sincerely hope the new structure that emerges next year is able to motivate a down trodden workforce.
If they can't turn it around during the S**t storm the industry is in generally then IMO they'll just run it down and keep the best of the silverware for themselves..... SLOTs!!
And don't start kicking if you don't like the post.. face reality!
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Current DFO leaving at end Jan 10
Current CP leaving April 10
Current CP leaving April 10
Is this GL and SS?
Whoever they are, where are they going?
.....and were they pushed?
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: taking up the hold
Age: 53
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GL voluntarily moving on to pastures new. Not yet announced where.
SS retiring from management. Something he has been rumoured to have been talking about for a while. He may however stay on as a training captain.
SS retiring from management. Something he has been rumoured to have been talking about for a while. He may however stay on as a training captain.
How long do you think LH will tolerate a loss making drag on the LH empire
It's the analysts who are talking down the value of the group via the share price.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Belfast
Age: 40
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: RealSlimShady - BMI Products
"Keep the 320s and 319s at LHR and provide a proper service: not no frills, but meals, drinks, proper C Class seats and service even with drinks and snacks / meals in Y."
I agree with Slim.
I know this has been covered and some people think it is a bad idea, however have a look at this Air Canada product.
Photos: Airbus A319-114 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net
A319 - 14C/106Y
A320 - 20C/120Y
A321 - 20C/154Y
Width/Pitch in C = 21/37-39
Width/Pitch in Y = 17/31-32
Surely these configs provide more than enough capacity for BMI to provide enough seats and a decent product.
I don't see any point in pursuing lower fares, that market is flooded. Instead BMI should look to the future and be in a strong position for when people start to look for a quality product again. These configs would give a decent number of Y seats but also provide quality C seats for business travellers who will pay extra for a nice seat.
Nice seats in C are also a nice perk for upgrading valued customers to if they are going to be empty anyway. Too many times when DO/T/Y were in fixed config C, I saw those seats empty. It is bad for the companies image when the Y pax walk past an empty C cabin. Most of the flights I was on had plenty of Gold/Silver Diamond Club members on board who could have been moved.
Now that most of Star are in T1, BMI should be providing a decent business service for those connecting to Long Haul with other Star members. Hopefully the LH guys will have a serious look at the onboard product.
I agree with Slim.
I know this has been covered and some people think it is a bad idea, however have a look at this Air Canada product.
Photos: Airbus A319-114 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net
A319 - 14C/106Y
A320 - 20C/120Y
A321 - 20C/154Y
Width/Pitch in C = 21/37-39
Width/Pitch in Y = 17/31-32
Surely these configs provide more than enough capacity for BMI to provide enough seats and a decent product.
I don't see any point in pursuing lower fares, that market is flooded. Instead BMI should look to the future and be in a strong position for when people start to look for a quality product again. These configs would give a decent number of Y seats but also provide quality C seats for business travellers who will pay extra for a nice seat.
Nice seats in C are also a nice perk for upgrading valued customers to if they are going to be empty anyway. Too many times when DO/T/Y were in fixed config C, I saw those seats empty. It is bad for the companies image when the Y pax walk past an empty C cabin. Most of the flights I was on had plenty of Gold/Silver Diamond Club members on board who could have been moved.
Now that most of Star are in T1, BMI should be providing a decent business service for those connecting to Long Haul with other Star members. Hopefully the LH guys will have a serious look at the onboard product.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RevMan
So you think LH takes a long term view. I take it that would be long enough to open the doors and the books to potential buyers the minute they take ownership then.
Come on; they want to get rid and fast but they're not going to give it away so will just run it down as cost effectively as possible.
If LH can turn it around then fantastic but repairing the damage since Hogans Heroes came and left followed by the cash burned 'hoping' for transatlantic out of LHR will be a stretch for any organisation without writing a blank cheque.
LH takes a long-term view
Come on; they want to get rid and fast but they're not going to give it away so will just run it down as cost effectively as possible.
If LH can turn it around then fantastic but repairing the damage since Hogans Heroes came and left followed by the cash burned 'hoping' for transatlantic out of LHR will be a stretch for any organisation without writing a blank cheque.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: belgium
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Does anybody know anything more about the wetlease of Embraers to Brussels Airlines?
What 2 aircraft are going to be used?
Will they be repainted?
For how long is the contract?
Thanks!
What 2 aircraft are going to be used?
Will they be repainted?
For how long is the contract?
Thanks!
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Surrey
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Season of goodwill...
In spite of no problems of any significance at either LHR or BHD, BMI is doing its bit to spread seasonal goodwill by leaving behind large numbers of bags at LHR (60 by 16.00 yesterday, many more since, apparently), in order to speed up the rotations. Telephone lines go unanswered - utter indifference to the dilemma in which this leaves their loyal customers.
In spite of no problems of any significance at either LHR or BHD, BMI is doing its bit to spread seasonal goodwill by leaving behind large numbers of bags at LHR (60 by 16.00 yesterday, many more since, apparently), in order to speed up the rotations. Telephone lines go unanswered - utter indifference to the dilemma in which this leaves their loyal customers.
Critics like this really do need to learn a little about airline operations BEFORE making uninformed comments like this, I am sure your precious bag of dirty laundry will turn up within a day or two, probably delivered to your door in a taxi at extra expense to the airline. I would also suggest you find out how many bags BA failed to get on their flights yesterday and then come back to eat a large helping of "Humble Pie"
BMI Online check in - useless?
Been trying for 50 mins to check in on line for BMI flight tomorrow.
allthe details under "manage my booking" are correct but the system not accepting check-in...and yes it is less than 24 hours before departure.
Is this normal? The choices are booking ref (tried that) FF card no (tried that) or e ticket number which BMI on my booking have not supplied anyhow....frustrating......
allthe details under "manage my booking" are correct but the system not accepting check-in...and yes it is less than 24 hours before departure.
Is this normal? The choices are booking ref (tried that) FF card no (tried that) or e ticket number which BMI on my booking have not supplied anyhow....frustrating......
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: In the land of never never!
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Geolog
While frustrating for you the problem was not actually BMIs fault, the baggage agents who handle/transport/load the bags at LHR only had 40% of the usual staff numbers make it into work yesterday so were under pressure from early on. BMI had the choice of delaying flights due to restrictions on slots (min 3hrs delay due the weather) and loading bags or sending people on their way on time and then sending the bags later at company cost. Not many companies would have been willing to choose the best but most expensive option these days so maybe a thanks to BMI would be more in order?
Businesstraveller
You are quite correct, both the bags and 'holy water' were from the Hajj pilgrimage flights to Medina. Unfortunately the overload of bags and water averaged 3tons per aircraft so it was obviously unsafe so again the decision was made to get people home with their bags to follow at company cost later. P.S. Having operated a Hajj flight can I say that the passengers were some of the most understanding and grateful I have ever come across.
nivsy
Sorry cant help you with that one but a call or follow up email may.... I do say MAY help remedy the situation and prevent it happening again.
Finally whilst these problems are annoying please remember that most of us at BMI have received letters informing us of redundancy in the New Year and yet we are still turning up each day in this weather and at this time of year trying our damned hardest to make sure everyone gets away ok!
Happy Christmas to all
While frustrating for you the problem was not actually BMIs fault, the baggage agents who handle/transport/load the bags at LHR only had 40% of the usual staff numbers make it into work yesterday so were under pressure from early on. BMI had the choice of delaying flights due to restrictions on slots (min 3hrs delay due the weather) and loading bags or sending people on their way on time and then sending the bags later at company cost. Not many companies would have been willing to choose the best but most expensive option these days so maybe a thanks to BMI would be more in order?
Businesstraveller
You are quite correct, both the bags and 'holy water' were from the Hajj pilgrimage flights to Medina. Unfortunately the overload of bags and water averaged 3tons per aircraft so it was obviously unsafe so again the decision was made to get people home with their bags to follow at company cost later. P.S. Having operated a Hajj flight can I say that the passengers were some of the most understanding and grateful I have ever come across.
nivsy
Sorry cant help you with that one but a call or follow up email may.... I do say MAY help remedy the situation and prevent it happening again.
Finally whilst these problems are annoying please remember that most of us at BMI have received letters informing us of redundancy in the New Year and yet we are still turning up each day in this weather and at this time of year trying our damned hardest to make sure everyone gets away ok!
Happy Christmas to all
