Die 1987 als Business Air gegründete schottische Regionalfluggesellschaft mit Hauptsitz in Paisley am Flughafen Glasgow machte mehrere Gründe, unter anderem gestiegene Treibstoffkosten, für die Pleite verantwortlich. Zuletzt betrieb das Unternehmen drei Embraer ERJ-135 sowie 14 ERJ-145, die ausschließlich auf innereuropäischen Flügen zum Einsatz kamen. Von der Insolvenz sind nach Angaben der Airline 376 Mitarbeiter betroffen.
Das Statement der Airline im Originalwortlaut:
"It is with a heavy heart that we have made this unavoidable announcement today. The airline has faced several difficulties, including recent spikes in fuel and carbon costs, the latter arising from the EU’s recent decision to exclude UK airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme. These issues have undermined efforts to move the airline into profit. Current trading and future prospects have also been seriously affected by the uncertainty created by the Brexit process, which has led to our inability to secure valuable flying contracts in Europe and lack of confidence around bmi’s ability to continue flying between destinations in Europe. Additionally, our situation mirrors wider difficulties in the regional airline industry which have been well documented. Against this background, it has become impossible for the airline’s shareholders to continue their extensive programme of funding into the business, despite investment totalling over £40m in the last six years. We sincerely regret that this course of action has become the only option open to us, but the challenges, particularly those created by Brexit, have proven to be insurmountable. Our employees have worked extremely hard over the last few years and we would like to thank them for their dedication to the company, as well as all our loyal customers who have flown with us over the last 6 years."
Im vergangenen Jahr wurden 522.000 Passagiere auf 29.000 Flügen befördert.
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