300 jobs secured with sale of Bmi division to Aberdeen consortium

THE sale of the regional airline division of Bmi to a consortium of Aberdeen businessman has been completed in a deal that will secure more than 300 jobs in the area.

Sector Aviation Holdings has now secured the takeover of the loss-making carrier from the International Airlines Group following final approval from the Civil Aviation Authority.

A spokeswoman for the consortium said: “Future plans including the likely strengthening of the head office function at East Midlands Airport with the creation of up to forty new jobs in sales, customer service and finance as well as maintaining the operating centre in Scotland, located in Aberdeen.”

Ian Woodley, who becomes chairman of Bmi Regional under the new regime, said: “We are continuing with the existing route network while BA will provide support during the transitional phase of the operation and we will be working closely with them to ensure as seamless a transfer as possible

“I would also like to reassure our many customers, who will have naturally been wondering what the future holds during what has been a very uncertain period, that it is very much business as usual including the retention of the Bmi brand and existing services.

“This is a great company with fantastic people and my colleagues and I are immensely proud to have concluded the acquisition of an organisation that is held in such high regard throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.”

Derek Provan, the managing director of Aberdeen Airport, welcomed the announcement. He said: “I am pleased to hear that the sale of Bmi Regional has gone smoothly, news which will give great comfort to the staff in particular. Their future has been secured and we are now looking forward to working with the company moving forward to help develop their offering from Aberdeen Airport.”

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil said: “This is fantastic news for Aberdeen and for the north-east. It safeguards a number of popular routes from Aberdeen Airport and, crucially, the jobs based there to support the service.

“Employees and passengers of Bmi Regional will also be pleased that this is happening with a team with a strong background in Scottish aviation. Efficient, convenient services from Scottish airports to destinations across Europe and beyond are key to the Scottish Government’s overarching aim of sustainable economic growth and I welcome the potential for future growth at Aberdeen Airport which this development presents.”