The announcement from bmi baby on 26 November 2008 reflects the current challenging situation that the airline industry faces.

Bmi baby is cutting routes and 3 aircraft will not have their leases renewed. This affects BHX and EMA bases and means, inevitably, that there may be some redundancies. The 30 day consultation period has started and the first meeting with the Company will be on Tues 2nd December.

Members meetings will be arranged for Wed 3rd and Thurs 4th December.

BALPA recognises that this is a tremendously stressful time and all aspects of the toolkit ‘Rising to the Challenge’ will be optimised to support the pilots through this difficult period. Already, the BALPA team has engaged with solicitors to prepare the ground for the talks with management.

It is understood that the method of selection the employer proposes for dismissal is an important factor in the ensuing discussions and BALPA will assist its members in gathering the required information so that the Company Council is well prepared for the consultation process.

BALPA’s policy on supporting LIFO as the criterion for managing redundancy remains unchanged.