80 Aberdeen airport jobs at risk

Airline Investments Limited (AIL), which was formed after the low-cost airlines merged last month, said it plans to acquire space at Bristol Airport for bmi Regional jets, while Loganair would take over the current bmi hangar at Aberdeen Airport.

The group said the overhaul would have no impact on Loganair staff but about 80 Aberdeen jobs could be affected.

Bristol is the origin of the majority of bmi’s routes, and the move would see it consolidate all its headquarters under one location at East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire.

Peter Simpson, Group CEO of AIL, said the proposed changes would “offer natural efficiencies” but acknowledged that an estimated 80 Aberdeen-based roles could be hit.

He said: “Loganair has expanded its aircraft presence at Aberdeen. It is therefore important that appropriate infrastructure is in place to ensure we can deliver operational reliability for these expanded operations. Today’s announcement will have no impact on Loganair staff, routes or frequency.

“All options will be explored through consultation to minimize impact on positions, but it is possible that an estimated 80 Aberdeen-based roles may be affected as a result of the proposals outlined today.

“We recognise that this is an unsettling period for colleagues and options will include redeployment.”