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Huge expansion for no-frills carrier bmibaby
No-frills carrier bmibaby is to increase its route network by a third with a major expansion in the Midlands, including a new base at Birmingham.
The undisclosed investment comes at a difficult time for no-frills carriers, with many suffering from intense competition and falling profits.
One airline analyst said: “It’s certainly a bold move in the current climate. Even the major carriers like Ryanair and easyJet are suffering, but Birmingham is a huge catchment area, so there is a niche in the market.”
Bmibaby will establish the Birmingham base initially using three aircraft to serve new routes from January 2004. More aircraft will be based at the airport for the summer, offering up to 20 destinations. This represents a 35% increase in the airline’s route network and fleet next year.
The base will be in addition to bmibaby’s existing operations at Nottingham East Midlands Airport.
Details of the new destinations will be unveiled next week, but flights are expected to be to major European cities and some Mediterranean resorts.
Tickets will also go on sale from next week. Passengers can register online at www.bmibaby.com to be notified of routes and fares.
The investment will represent a growth of more than 35 per cent in the airline’s route network and aircraft fleet in 2005 and lead to the creation of 150 new jobs in the Midlands.
“Bmibaby already carries more passengers from the Midlands than any other airline, with our current services from Nottingham East Midlands Airport,” said bmibaby managing director Tony Davis.
“With the creation of a new base at Birmingham, we are consolidating our position as the region’s most popular carrier. By this time next year we will be serving up to 40 routes from the Midlands, offering massive choice to travellers throughout the region.”
Bmi group chief executive Austin Reid added: “We’re investing in the growth of bmibaby because of the strength and performance of the brand. Our new base at Birmingham gives customers across the Midlands unrivalled choice and will provide a strong platform for further growth.”
Report by Jeremy Skidmore
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