bmi remodelling at LHR

[egnxema]

So what is the deal at LHR with offering bmibaby fares on bmi flights?

The press release is on flybmi.com but the basic gist is that all LHR ops exc GLA EDI BHD and BRU are going to a single class cabin.

3 fare types will be marketed "Tiny, Standard and Premium"

Tiny fares will be sold through flybmi.com and bmibaby.com

On board services will be paid for.

Is this not watering down the bmi brand even more?

Why now have 2 airlines? Why not merge bmi and baby?

Regional is not affected by the change.

[Dutchie]

Looks like copying the SAS /Snowflake three class model to me.

[caa19]

its bmibaby at LHR....
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We have announced the launch of Europe's first modular airline service, following a six-month study surveying the views of 10,000 air travellers.

From early August, this new modular approach will see us switch to a single class service with paid-for catering on board on all flights departing from Heathrow. On four core business routes - Heathrow to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast and Brussels - we will retain a separate business cabin as research showed that demand still exists for it on these routes. Our regional flights will also retain the business cabin.

We will be introducing faster e-enabled services for customers on the ground - more self check-in kiosks, along with e-enabled services giving you the ability to check-in and print boarding cards at home. Details of the launch of these products will follow over the coming months.

Most importantly, you'll be able to choose from three fare types, according to the level of service and flexibility you want with your ticket.

For the first time, true low cost fares starting from £25 one way will be available from Heathrow, with bmibaby's 'tiny' fares available on our flights, which will have standard low cost terms and conditions. These new fares will be available through flybmi.com and bmibaby.com from mid June.

For a more flexible service bmi standard fares will be available, and where you want full flexibility and the highest levels of service, bmi premium fares will be available.

[MarkD]

What is it with Star Alliance and their spinoff carriers. BM/AC/SK all set up LCCs and are basically reintegrating them back into mainline. Their marketing suppliers must be delighted though!

I have to say AC's scheme does offer a lot more transparency, where you select the economy fare from four choices which provides the services and flexibility you want like seat selection, refundability, no-charge changes, loyalty miles etc. while offering the same econ seat.

Now that AC/Aeroplan is manoeuvering for US/HP's maintenance and loyalty business, perhaps BM could consider similar mergers of those businesses with the likes of SK to keep costs down.