bmibaby restructures route network

The restructuring programme will enable the airline to concentrate on core operations and activities and to adjust existing schedules and frequencies to maximise their potential.

Greater operational efficiencies and optimising aircraft utilisation will enable bmibaby to reduce its fleet size by five aircraft in 2010 from the current 17. The move comes against a background of the worst economic recession in recent times and record losses in the aviation industry.

Part of the restructuring programme will create the capacity to add to the number of destinations it will serve next year from East Midlands Airport.

Crawford Rix, managing director, bmibaby, said: "Since the launch of bmibaby we have established ourselves as a leading player in the low cost airline market. However the aviation industry is facing its toughest time ever - it is experiencing record losses and remedial action has to be taken. bmibaby is no exception to this.

"We have to focus our efforts and activities on routes and services that we believe are the best fit for our business. We believe that having identified and by concentrating on the core business areas and reinforcing our efforts, we can ensure that bmibaby continues to provide its customers with the best possible competitive fares as well as an attractive range of business and leisure products."

As a result of the restructuring programme 10 pilot and 15 cabin crew positions will be created at East Midlands Airport. Regrettably 54 pilot and 82 cabin crew positions at Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff Airports are at risk of redundancy, plus an additional 22 management and support positions at bmibaby's head office facility and at the airport bases. bmibaby has today commenced discussions with staff and union representatives with a view to minimising job losses wherever possible.