Heard a rumour that the 3 latest 319s that Mainline have had delivered (G-DBCG/H/I) are destined for baby. They're in 144 config with fixed seats and small galleys. No forward wardrobe and ideal for baby. Just waiting for 737 leases to expire and then they'll be phased in. They're not at all suitable for mainline as they can't be swapped in and out on Buisness routes and there is insufficient storage for catering etc. even on NBM routes.

Doors2Automatic - bmi baby is doing OK. It's actually the only airline of the bmi group making money (bmi mainline is losing money and bmi regional is apparently just about breaking even).

wingattack - while getting A319s would be a welcome development for baby, I think that if this was the case, their registrations would give a hint (all "recent" baby a/c have been in the G-TOYx series). While working with (not for) baby, I haven't heard anything about A319s. Maybe the single-class Airbuses are meant for bmi mainline domestic routes...

Cheers :cool:

I've heard that is the case from a number of sources. However, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of bmi, if the parent company comes down it will probably be curtains for baby.

If this is the case how come bmibaby are still receiving B737s? Wouldn't this end up more expensive in the long run anyway as they would have to train the guys already on the 737 to the 319? Or would it be a mixed fleet of 319 and 737?

Interesting.

BAe 146

I think the most recent A320's for bmi arrived in similar config so I'm not sure if it's any indication of baby getting Airbus, or bmi mainline preparing to go one-class throughout :eek:

...also, all baby flight crew are already type-rated on both 737-300/400/500 and on 737NGs - even though the airline doesn't have any yet.

It would therefore prove easier (and faster) to introduce NGs in baby's fleet (once they have enough ex-easyjet 737-300s :uhoh: )

OK, so going A319/320 :ok: would probably make sense from an overall fleet/maintenance etc. point of view, and Airbus might even throw in a few type ratings for free as an incentive, but staying with Boeings would ensure a more seamless transition.

Doors to Automatic - bmi baby has its own AOC, so even if the bmi group went under, they would probably survive on their own. They do use the resources of bmi ops/crewing, but even that is due to change. Also, bmi still controls a massive 14% of slots at LHR; selling some of them would be one way to raise cash if needed. Can't see them going under anytime soon (even though I agree mainline isn't doing well and is trying hard to position itself between BA and the LCCs and decide how to best use the A330s; the extra summer charters ex BHX show that bmi has quite a bit of A320/321 spare capacity at week-ends ).

Cheers :cool:

Most of the pilots have the NG on their licence but have not done a differences course, so the NG would cause problems if it came in.

A319s at Baby? I can't see the board going to that expence.

We have at least another three Boeing 737-300 aircraft on order, so I cannot image that we are planning a major shift in aircraft type in the close future. Whilst a more efficient type will have to be sourced in in a few years to take over the 737s to better compete with easy's new 319s & Ryanair's new 737-800s, in the meantime I think the -300s are doing a pretty good job.

You haven't flown TOYH!