Loganair, the sister airline of flybmi in the Airline Investments Ltd group released a statement on its financial and operational situation quickly after the news came out that flybmi filed for administration on Saturday evening.
“The two airlines are separate businesses, operating separate aircraft fleets on their own distinct route networks,” the airline said, “as such, the closure of bmi Regional – which flew Embraer Regional Jet aircraft on routes throughout 12 European countries – has no impact on Loganair’s continued operation, which predominantly uses turboprop aircraft on routes within the UK and in particular to, from and within the Scottish Highlands & Islands.”
“The same challenges that have led to flybmi ceasing operations, including uncertainty around intra-European traffic rights post-Brexit, do not impact Loganair’s business,” Loganair added.
“Loganair expects to return to profit in the current financial year, is carrying record passenger numbers on many of its routes and is in a strong financial position,” said Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles.
“We are actively working on options to offer employment to a number of bmi Regional staff members whilst at the same time monitoring developments elsewhere in the UK regional airline sector which could present opportunities for Loganair.”
Loganair takes over some flybmi routes
The next day, Loganair announced that it would relaunch the following bmi routes from Aberdeen as of 4 March:
- Aberdeen-Bristol
- Aberdeen-Oslo
- Aberdeen-Esbjerg
Later that day, Loganair added two more international bmi routes to be operated as of 25 March:
- Newcastle-Brussels
- Newcastle-Stavanger
The Brussels route will be operated 10 times a week by its only Embraer ERJ145: twice daily on Monday through Thursday, and one flight on Fridays and Sundays.
The Loganair fleet currently consists of 2 Dornier Do-328s, 1 ERJ-135, one ERJ-145, 13 Saab 340s and 5 Saab 2000s.
flybmi ceases operations and is filing for administration; all flights cancelled
