British Airways Genealogy Part 3
In the 1960s British Midland was just one of many independents, but good management during the 1970s (especially a lucrative wet-leasing side business) and its fortuitous access to Heathrow meant it alone amongst the scheduled independents was able to survive into the 2000s. The airline however found itself unable to compete against BA in the increasingly global airline market and the inevitable takeover by BA was finally agreed in 2012.
During the 1980s British Midland formed the Airlines of Britain Group and took holdings in several regional airlines (Loganair and Manx). Subsequently the ownership and affiliation of these airlines has swung between BMA, BA and independent ops. As with most major airlines (especially in the USA and Canada) BA began to build up a franchised regional operation, using established third tier operators like Brymon, in the late 1980s. These operations often operating old BA routes were merged in 2002 to form BA Citiexpress however by then low-cost competition from airlines like Easyjet rendered the routes unprofitable and the whole operation (except London City Airport ops) was sold in 2007 to FlyBe. Following the sale Loganair switched its operations to operate as a partner of FlyBe.
The last vestige of British Midland is its regional arm, which following the BA merger was sold but kept its original name.
During the 1980s British Midland formed the Airlines of Britain Group and took holdings in several regional airlines (Loganair and Manx). Subsequently the ownership and affiliation of these airlines has swung between BMA, BA and independent ops. As with most major airlines (especially in the USA and Canada) BA began to build up a franchised regional operation, using established third tier operators like Brymon, in the late 1980s. These operations often operating old BA routes were merged in 2002 to form BA Citiexpress however by then low-cost competition from airlines like Easyjet rendered the routes unprofitable and the whole operation (except London City Airport ops) was sold in 2007 to FlyBe. Following the sale Loganair switched its operations to operate as a partner of FlyBe.
The last vestige of British Midland is its regional arm, which following the BA merger was sold but kept its original name.
