A term sheet is only an expression of interest. It doesn't mean much more than that. There is a long way to go between term sheet and closing a deal.

the 737-300/400/500s are in their twilight years. In a modern world where oil is over a hundred bucks a barrel they make it more difficult to turn a profit.

As for routes, well closing CWL and MAN was madness, and the uncertainty over the future of baby will not be helping forward bookings, nor will the lack of a winter schedule.

I hope for all concerned that an understanding buyer is found, and Inkjet, the hint that you know more than anyone else is interesting, you must be the only person who does know.....wink wink.

The lack of a winter schedule means nothing-last year I don't think they went on sale until mid-April! Easyjet don't have theirs on yet...should we be worried about them as well.

G-WK

Thanks you saved me the time....


Completely untrue......I have a vested interest in them flying. I have a vested interest in ALL companies flying.(In UK airspace)

In view of your recent predictions vis

I shan't hold my breath on your knowledge of forward bookings.

Inkjet you really are a winker......spelling?

Expressdriver,

Thought you gave a good and plausible if a bit long synopsis on this matter.

However with ever rising fuel prices and a fleet of gas guzzlers, for the new airline to be successful, they MUST be able to replace the current fleet reasonably quickly with more modern and fuel efficient planes.

Even Jet 2 with a fleet of older 737s are gradually doing this, leaving Baby the only UK airline left to start this process.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that a new owner, and crucially, one capable of having deep enough pockets required to turn the losses signs up in the next 2 weeks.

Nigel

737 CL aren't particularly gas guzzling compared to other aircraft. For the shortish flights that baby does with them, they aren't too bad really.

Classics will need replacing or upgrading due to plenty of other reasons, but fuel economy isn't really much of an issue.

I feel a BMIbaby 3 coming on! lets all calm down
It is always quiet unless you are in the boardroom.
It does get lonely up in the country side outside the city so just ignore the wise guy.

It's currently being suggested on the BHD forum that MOL has been having discussions with management. Could there be some tie in with bmibaby here in view of the rumours about Ryanair wanting to buy it?

That's not possible. Inkjet said Ryanair would never buy baby.

Brevity, bloodly hell that's a first!!

For a change I was agreeing with you inky. I can't see Ryanair having any serious interest in taking over baby.

I would still regard Stobart as a good result.

The fat lady has cleared her throat a number of times on the regional deal, but time is running out.........

Latest missive from WPS:

Maybe SMB ?:E

Consultation usually means consultation in respect of redundancies, I fear Baby's future is not filled with rosy cheeks. The same may apply to Regional where the only potential buyer doesn't seem to have the money and we all know what that means

Not Stobart? Air Contractors/ASL would be the only other mob I could think of.

Consultation with staff? That doesn't sound good.

Might be worth those working for bmi group having a read through TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) rules - which presumably would apply to Lufthansa selling bmi group to IAG / BA - there's plenty on Google

There's certainly an obligation on the outgoing employer (i.e. Lufty) under TUPE to consult with employees as part of the process

Spot on David. The word 'Consultation' has a double meaning.
I hope it is the positive, rather than negative.............

David, BMI pilots are not employment lawyers, so "reading TUPE" would be completely pointless.

Surely this is what we pay BALPA for?

Artie - I'm not an employment lawyer either but I'm capable of doing a Google on TUPE and reading through what comes up. Maybe you understand only the basic themes rather than the more esoteric detail but better to know something than be ignorant. In any case if you are paying union dues then it's time for BALPA to show they are worth the money and come up with good information for all concerned quickly

Transfer of your current 'terms & conditions' to a new employer following a take over. Pensions are not covered.

The new employer might have better T's & C's which you can elect to transfer on to if you so wish.

Consultation means that employers must talk to staff about impending change. Nothing sinister, just the law.

Buster the bear..... Spot on a consultation is exactly that. Communicating with employees. This may be in the form of changes to working practice, company structure, pensions, terms etc etc.... a company must consult existing employees because some may not want to transfer over to the new company. Roles can also be merged or created so really the scope is endless.

Consultation was mentioned by WPS to mainline so it's not exclusive to baby and is a normal part of the process, unsettling none the less.