BMI announces major redundancies
British Midland (BMI) has confirmed a further 600 redundancies and the termination of seven routes in an attempt to cut costs are hopefully secure the long term future of the popular UK airline. The company has also announced plans to return some of its aircraft to their leasing companies thereby put into effect a sharp about turn in the company's major expansion plans. Just a few months ago the company was looking to challenge British Airways in the long haul market but today's announcement confirms that this is really a battle for survival at British Midland.
This is the latest devastating news for the UK airline industry which appears to be going from bad to worse at this moment in time. Despite plans by British Airways to merge with competitor Iberia, to create a £4 billion market leader, there is still much pain ahead as the airline industry continues to digests ever increasing costs and ever falling passenger numbers.
British Midland is not the only smaller carrier to struggle in the current market conditions and indeed it will not be the last in the airline industry to announce significant redundancies. Many people believe it is time that the UK government, and other governments around the world, stepped in to assist an industry which has been hit by ever increasing tax liabilities over the last few years.
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