1,200 jobs could go in bmi takeover

BA started consulting unions on proposals to integrate the bmi business into its operations at Heathrow Airport after the acquisition was given regulatory approval from the European Commission last month.

BA said that without the acquisition, all 2,700 bmi jobs could have been lost.

The jobs facing the axe are at bmi’s head office at Castle Donington in Derbyshire and at regional airports.

Jobs secured include 1,100 cabin crew, pilots and engineers at Heathrow and up to 400 passenger service roles at Heathrow’s Terminal One.

BA said it would be working on potential job opportunities with industry partners in the Midlands, such as Rolls-Royce, and will look to create jobs at its engineering facility in Glasgow from January 2014 when the contract for bmi aircraft heavy maintenance work outside the UK expires.

Keith Williams, BA’s chief executive, said: “bmi is heavily loss making and is not a viable business as it stands today. Our proposals would secure around 1,500 jobs that would otherwise have been lost.

“As we look to restructure the business and restore profitability, job losses are deeply regrettable but inevitable. We will work with the unions to explore as many options as possible and are already working with industry partners.”