Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Flight Deck Forums > Rumours & News
Reload this Page >

flyBMI about to fold

Rumours & News Reporting Points that may affect our jobs or lives as professional pilots. Also, items that may be of interest to professional pilots.

flyBMI about to fold

Old 16th Feb 2019, 18:16
  #21 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I had the pleasure of landing BMI’s last passenger flight. Good luck to everyone here, I’ll see you on the other side.
Rottweiler22 is offline  
Old 16th Feb 2019, 18:17
  #22 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: It used to be an island...
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The FlyBMI website isn't handling the load too well.

A copy of the press release is here: https://www.theaviationeye.com/2019/...ediate-effect/

I hope the crews can find somewhere else soon!
nicolai is offline  
Old 16th Feb 2019, 18:25
  #23 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Up North
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sorry to hear this news. Seems like it’s happening all too frequently. I’ve been there with Monarch and I wish all the crew the very best of luck in finding something quickly.
nevilinio is offline  
Old 16th Feb 2019, 18:30
  #24 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hundred Acre Wood
Posts: 263
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
BBC website shows a picture of an A319! My sympathy goes to all the staff, not least the guys I heard on frequency this morning over southern Germany, inbound to Munich, perhaps?
Doug E Style is offline  
Old 16th Feb 2019, 18:36
  #25 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Canada
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From their website:
Game over.... https://www.flybmi.com/

Press Release: 16 February 2019

British Midland Regional Limited, the East Midlands-based airline which operates as flybmi, has today announced that it has ceased operations and is filing for administration.

Flybmi operates 17 regional jet aircraft on routes to 25 European cities.

All flights have been cancelled with effect from today. Customers who booked directly with flybmi should contact their payment card issuer to obtain a refund for flights which have not yet taken place. Customers who have booked flybmi flights via a travel agent or one of flybmi’s codeshare partner airlines are recommended to contact their agent or airline for details of options available to them. Customers who have travel insurance should contact their travel insurance provider to find out if they are eligible to claim for cancelled flights and the procedure for doing so.

A spokesperson for flybmi said:

“It is with a heavy heart that we have made this unavoidable announcement today. The airline has faced several difficulties, including recent spikes in fuel and carbon costs, the latter arising from the EU’s recent decision to exclude UK airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme. These issues have undermined efforts to move the airline into profit. Current trading and future prospects have also been seriously affected by the uncertainty created by the Brexit process, which has led to our inability to secure valuable flying contracts in Europe and lack of confidence around bmi’s ability to continue flying between destinations in Europe. Additionally, our situation mirrors wider difficulties in the regional airline industry which have been well documented.

“Against this background, it has become impossible for the airline’s shareholders to continue their extensive programme of funding into the business, despite investment totalling over £40m in the last six years. We sincerely regret that this course of action has become the only option open to us, but the challenges, particularly those created by Brexit, have proven to be insurmountable.

“Our employees have worked extremely hard over the last few years and we would like to thank them for their dedication to the company, as well as all our loyal customers who have flown with us over the last 6 years.”

Bmi Regional employed a total of 376 employees based in the UK, Germany, Sweden and Belgium.

Notes:

  1. Flights operated by flybmi served Aberdeen, Bristol, Brno, City of Derry, Dusseldorf, East Midlands, Esbjerg, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Jonkoping, Karlstad, London Stansted, Lublin, Milan Bergamo, Munich, Newcastle, Norrkoping, Nuremburg, Oslo, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rostock/Laage, Saarbrucken and Stavanger.
  2. The airline carried 522,000 passengers on 29,000 flights in 2018.
  3. Customers with bookings should contact their bank or payment card issuer to initiate the process of obtaining a refund. If Customers have booked through Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines or another airline or code partner or a booking agent Customers should contact them directly. Customers who have travel insurance should contact their travel insurance provider to understand if they are eligible to claim for cancelled flights and the procedure for doing so.
  4. Flybmi flights operated under codeshare agreements with code partners Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Loganair, Air France and Air Dolomiti.

Information for Customers & Customer Questions and Answers

This document has been prepared in order to provide high level information for customers of the Company who have booked one or more flights that have not yet flown (the “Customers”). This document contains general information which may be relevant to Customers and is not deemed to be specific advice to any particular Customer. This document is intended for information for the Customers of the Company only and is not exhaustive of every right or option which may be available to a Customer.

OVERVIEW
  • The Company is no longer able to operate any flights to and from the UK and within Europe.
  • ALL FLIGHTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT BOTH FROM AND TO THE UK AND WITHIN EUROPE.
  • All Customers due to travel with the Company will need to rebook flights with an alternative airline.
  • Please DO NOT TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT unless you have arranged an alternative flight with an alternative airline.
  • The Company is unable to arrange or reschedule any flights for you.
  • If Customers have booked through a code share partner of the Company (Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Loganair, Air France and Air Dolomiti) or a booking agent you should contact them directly.
CUSTOMER ACTIONS
  • The following actions may be available to Customers in respect of any claim they may have relating to any booked flight that has not flown:
  • Credit Cards - Customers who have paid a deposit or paid for flights by credit or debit card and the flights have been cancelled may be able to claim a refund from their card issuer. Please contact your card issuer as soon as you can if this applies to you. Further information is available from the UK Cards Association: Credit and Debit Cards: a Consumer Guide www.theukcardsassociation.org.uk
  • Travel Insurance - Customers who have travel insurance should contact their travel insurance provider to understand if they are eligible to claim for cancelled flights and the procedure for doing so.
  • If Customers have booked through a code share partner of the Company (Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Loganair, Air France and Air Dolimiti) or a booking agent you should contact them directly.
  • Please refer to the following Questions and Answers for further information.
I am due to fly tomorrow, what should I do?
  • Unfortunately all flights have been cancelled.
  • Do not go to the airport unless you have booked a flight with an alternative airline.
  • If Customers have booked through a code share partner or a booking agent you should contact them directly for assistance.
  • Our code share partners are Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Loganair, Air France and Air Dolomiti.
As my flight has been cancelled who will help me to fly?
  • The Company is unable to reschedule or rebook alternative flights on behalf of Customers.
  • Customers will need to make alternative arrangements with a different airline.
  • If Customers have booked through a code share partner or a booking agent you should contact them directly for assistance.
  • Our code share partners are Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Loganair, Air France and Air Dolomiti.
Who pays for my replacement fight?
  • The Company is unable to purchase alternative flights for Customers affected. Those affected will have to purchase replacement flights directly with a different airline.
  • If Customers have booked through a code share partner or a booking agent you should contact them directly.
  • Our code share partners are Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Loganair, Air France and Air Dolomiti.
How do I get my money back for cancelled flights?
  • The Company is unable to repay Customers for cancelled flights which they have paid for.
  • There are a number of options available to Customers to consider:
    • Customers should contact their bank/credit card provider to obtain refunds.
    • If Customers have booked through a code share partner or a booking agent you should contact them directly (details above).
    • Customers who have travel insurance should contact their travel insurance provider to understand if they are eligible to claim as a result of the cancelled flights and the procedure for doing so.
Will the Company loan me money to get home or for replacement flights?
  • The Company is unable to loan Customers money to pay for replacement flights.
I have paid on my credit / debit card, what should I do?
  • If Customers have made a deposit for or paid for goods or services by credit or debit card and the goods or services are not going to be received by the due date, you may be able to get your money back by claiming a refund from your card issuer.
  • If you think this may apply to you, you should contact with your card issuer as soon as you can to understand what financial protection you may be entitled to.
  • Further information (including time limits that may apply) is available from the UK Cards Association Credit and Debit cards: A Consumer Guide www.the ukcardassociation.org.uk.
  • The contact number for your credit or debit card issuer is likely to be located on the reverse of your card (otherwise it can be found online). The card issuer is the bank which issued the card to you, not the payment processor. For example, if you have an Lloyds MasterCard, the card issuer is Lloyds (not MasterCard).
  • If you paid by credit card, you may have a claim against your credit card issuer under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Card Act 1974 for the cost of making alternative travel arrangements to return to the UK together with any additional costs reasonably incurred. Section 75 claims are only available in respect of individual flights which each cost over £100 at the time of purchase. However, please contact your credit card issuer for further details on eligibility, which costs may and may not be covered and how to make a claim.
I have had to pay for a hotel and food whilst I have been waiting to return to the UK, how do I get my money back?
  • As detailed above if you paid by credit card, you may have a claim against your credit card issuer under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Card Act 1974 for the cost of making alternative travel arrangements to return to the UK together with any additional costs reasonably incurred. Section 75 claims are only available in respect of individual flights which each cost over £100 at the time of purchase. However, please contact your credit card issuer for further details on eligibility, which costs may and may not be covered and how to make a claim.
  • Customers who have travel insurance should contact their travel insurance provider to understand if they are eligible to claim for cancelled flights and the procedure for doing so.
  • Customers may also have a claim for compensation under EU regulations 261/2004 (see below) for reasonable expenses.
What is EU Regulation 261/2004?
  • This regulation establishes the common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of certain flights within the EU.
  • If Customers have booked through a code share partner or a booking agent you should contact them directly regarding an alternative flight.
  • Our code share partners are Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Loganair, Air France and Air Dolomiti.
  • If your flight has been cancelled you may have a statutory right to make a claim for compensation under this regulation.
I have already arranged holiday and annual leave with my employer and made accommodation bookings – what if I can’t find other flights? Will I be compensated for my costs?
  • If you have paid by credit card you may be able to claim these costs back. Please contact you card issuer regarding this.
  • Customers who have travel insurance should contact their travel insurance provider to understand if they are eligible to claim as a result of cancelled flights and the procedure for doing so.
Longtimer is offline  
Old 16th Feb 2019, 18:37
  #26 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Neither here or there
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Friends do not flinch at an opportunity at the wrong base. Currency is your weapon in this industry. FlyBe, BACF, Stobart, Jota and further afield Air Baltic and Adria... all hiring and desperately need your experience.
CW247 is offline  
Old 16th Feb 2019, 18:55
  #27 (permalink)  
Moderator
 
Halfwayback's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: England
Posts: 2,519
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
PPRUNE bmi forum available for off site discussion

Halfwayback is offline  
Old 16th Feb 2019, 19:50
  #28 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What a shame, but all down to the lack of direction at senior level...

Employees weren't even informed (or thanked) until 20 minutes after the public press relase went out, shocking really.
tomahawk98 is offline  
Old 16th Feb 2019, 20:11
  #29 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Europe
Posts: 199
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thats very sad news,
I flew with them the other week BRU - EMA and rather enjoyed the flight.
Good luck to the guys & girls finding employment elsewhere.
Webby737 is offline  
Old 16th Feb 2019, 20:36
  #30 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Australia
Age: 58
Posts: 2,210
Received 66 Likes on 34 Posts
A very sad day for the staff.

I used to regularly pax on the ERJ-135 from Manchester to Aberdeen, always seemed to be a well run operation.


Stationair8 is offline  
Old 16th Feb 2019, 20:47
  #31 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: UK
Age: 52
Posts: 10
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It’s a real sad time for all involved and the industry in general and I hope it works out ok for everyone long term.

BMIR had a good bunch working there - some going back to the old Business Air days.

i wish the best to all - the UK regional scene is fast depleting.
Paulf is online now  
Old 17th Feb 2019, 00:06
  #32 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Surrounded by aluminum, and the great outdoors
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
carbon costs, the latter arising from the EU’s recent decision to exclude UK airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme.

gotta love it, another EU boondoggle.....
ironbutt57 is offline  
Old 17th Feb 2019, 00:39
  #33 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Inside the Industry
Posts: 876
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Does Airline Investments still have same shareholders?
industry insider is offline  
Old 17th Feb 2019, 07:33
  #34 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Up north
Posts: 1,657
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Someone recently for advice on joining BMI vs another airline. One of the conciderations I brought up was the potential issues laying ahead for BMI being a UK operator with a substantial part of it’s operations being between EU countries outside the UK.... Very sad for all the employees but as already mentioned at least there are a lot of companies hiring. Good luck to all of you.

CP
CaptainProp is offline  
Old 17th Feb 2019, 07:35
  #35 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Central Scotland
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by ironbutt57
carbon costs, the latter arising from the EU’s recent decision to exclude UK airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme.

gotta love it, another EU boondoggle.....
Bull****.

Over £2million in unpaid pax compensation. No crew retention policy, poor resourcing. All blamed on Brexit?
We used to be the most punctual airline in the UK...year on year. Poor management. Fullstop.
FlyingApe is offline  
Old 17th Feb 2019, 07:51
  #36 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Gt Hockham
Posts: 99
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
" The airline carried 522,000 passengers on 29,000 flights in 2018"
Is that a true fact? That equates to EIGHTEEN pax per flight...........
Sorry, guys and gals, many of us have suffered poor management decisions over the years which resulted in job and pension demises.
Hockham Admiral is offline  
Old 17th Feb 2019, 09:22
  #37 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Planet earth
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Brexit, carbon trading schemes etc etc. All bull**** and all preplanned way way in advance. They never had a plan in case of a Brexit. Just a big cover up and poor excuse for their dodgy plan.

The bond brothers......they will just continue.
dboy is offline  
Old 17th Feb 2019, 09:47
  #38 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Inside the Industry
Posts: 876
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The bond brothers......they will just continue.
They have plenty of cash. I don't know what the financial problems with fly BMI are exactly but I am sure the Bonds could regenerate / recapitalise / restructure debt if they wanted to.
industry insider is offline  
Old 17th Feb 2019, 10:13
  #39 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Europe
Posts: 199
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by cBoxMungo


Using the numbers from Wikipedia looks like an average load factor of about ~40%*


*(Maths could be well off)
Sounds about right.
I can only base this assumption on the two mid week flights I took with BMI on the same day, on both flights the aircraft was maybe 30 - 40% full.
Strangely enough, if I didn't work at an airport I would have never known they existed, I never saw or heard any form of advertising or promotion.
This is a real shame, I'm sure with the correct management BMI could (should have !) have been a success.
Webby737 is offline  
Old 17th Feb 2019, 10:25
  #40 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: at the edge of the alps
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by cBoxMungo

Using the numbers from Wikipedia looks like an average load factor of about ~40%*
Maths seems to be OK, and load factors like these used to be no problem with business fares about a decade ago. When the CRJ was introduced at my then company it reportedly needed 13 seats filled to break even, the other 37 providing profits. Companies happily paid the equivalent of more than 1000 EUR for a return ticket for a 1:15 flight. No carbon tax, less fees (and not to forget lower salaries).

Add higher cost pressure by corporate travel departments and availability of low-fare "next door" with people weighing the inconvenience of a 1-2 hour drive to the airport against a business fare as well as the increase in high-speed rail across Europe and the niche for regionals gets ever smaller. Not many true independent regionals remain and the advantage the UK enjoyed with all the water around making air travel the only option in many cases diminishes as its economic future is clouded over Brexit.

I found the figure of less than 400 staff interesting for an airline this size. Seems rather lean.

Alpine Flyer is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.