bmi suspends Mumbai operations

A long term technical problem on one of bmi's Airbus A330 aircraft has forced the airline to suspend its daily Heathrow to Mumbai service indefinitely. The airline is in discussions with the manufacturer Airbus about the reasons for the technical failure, as well as the length of time to achieve its repair.

The airline has been actively seeking an alternative unit as cover during the prolonged absence of the Airbus A330, which is now into a fourth week and could extend to mid December. However, bmi said that searches have been unable to locate a suitable aircraft that would satisfactorily meet its operational requirements and service delivery standards.

Nigel Turner, bmi chief executive officer, said, “It is with great sadness and of personal disappointment to me that we have been forced to make this very difficult decision. We have tried without success to locate a suitable replacement unit, but the uncertainty of the length of time we will be without the aircraft has also not helped the situation. 

“This uncertainty is also impacting upon our ability confidently to sell seats from Heathrow to Mumbai. The marketplace is intensely competitive and we have serious concerns about a prolonged period of over three month’s absence. A sustained absence will place us at a considerable disadvantage against the competition that we face on services to Mumbai when we are able to recommence operations.

“This is only a temporary setback to our long haul route network growth and we remain committed to the development of that part of our business. That is why we have made no reductions in operating crew levels including the 66 cabin staff positions involved in the Mumbai operation. Any job losses will be minimal and all confined to India based positions.”

Passengers already holding reservations should contact the airline or their travel agent directly.

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