British Airways begins consultation with bmi trade unions; up to 1200 redundancies at bmi

British Airways announced (12-Apr-2012) it began consultations with trade unions on proposals to integrate bmi into its London Heathrow operations, following approval from the European Commission to take over the carrier from Lufthansa. British Airways' integration proposals may result in up to 1200 redundancies, with 1500 positions secured. Secured positions include 1100 pilots, flight attendants and engineers based at London Heathrow. 400 passenger services positions at London Heathrow terminal one would also be secured. The 1200 redundancies will mainly consist of roles at bmi's head office at Castle Donington and at regional airports. British Airways stated discussions with potential buyers for bmi subsidiaries bmibaby and bmi Regional are continuing. Unite union national officer Oliver Richardson stated Unite "will be fighting to maintain as many jobs as possible and ensure that where vacancies exist people can be placed into suitable roles within British Airways. [more - original PR - British Airways] [more - original PR - Unite]

British Airways: "bmi is heavily loss making and is not a viable business as it stands today. Our proposals would secure around 1500 jobs that would otherwise have been lost. As we look to restructure the business and restore profitability, job losses are deeply regrettable but inevitable. We will work with the unions to explore as many options as possible and are already working with industry partners," Keith Williams, CEO. Source: Company statement, 12-Apr-2012.