bmibaby jobs to go in Cardiff
November 4, 2009 No Comments
bmibaby, the low-cost unit of British Midland Airways, or bmi, Wednesday said it may have to cut 158 jobs under its restructuring plans.
The airline said 54 pilot and 82 cabin crew positions are at risk of redundancy at Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff airports. A further 22 management and support positions at head office and those airport bases could also go.
It said it has started talks with staff and union representatives and hopes to minimise job losses where possible.
As part of its restructuring program, it intends to reduce its fleet size by five aircraft in 2010. It currently has 17 planes.
Crawford Rix, managing director at bmibaby, said 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.”
It will focus its activities and efforts on routes where there are clear indications and prospects for future growth and development and “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.”
The company plans to expand its East Midlands Airport and this would result in the creation of 10 pilot and 15 cabin crew jobs there.
Since German carrier Deutsche Lufthansa AG bought bmi earlier this year, it has been focused on restructuring bmi’s assets and stemming losses.
Commenting on today’s announcement that up to 158 staff, including some in Cardiff, face losing their jobs under restructuring plans by low fare airline bmibaby, Shadow Minister for the Economy David Melding AM said:
“This is worrying and disappointing news and of particular concern given bmibaby’s significant presence at Cardiff Airport.
“Cardiff Airport is the gateway to Wales for thousands of foreign visitors and provides vital direct links to destinations across Europe and the United Kingdom.
“Securing new routes and attracting new passengers to Cardiff is important if the airport is able to compete with local rivals such as Bristol.
“News such as that today will hardly help.”
This is NOW Cardiff - the best news site for the Capital and all of Wales. Launch date 1st November 2009.