BMI has come out with far better figures for 2005 than expected, a pre-tax profit of ”10m (”2.6m 2004) announced, surprising the market following revelations that its regional services out of Heathrow were down considerably on the previous year. BM emphasised that yield has improved and a planned reduction of aircraft size were contributory factors. BM has ”143.4m cash in hand and net cash of ”60m when ”85.8m of debts are taken into consideration even that is a 30% reduction from last year. Sir Michael Bishop, chairman gave no indication of stepping down, or selling his majority stake in the airline. On the face of it bmi has stood still with staff numbers static and passengers boarded much the same. However the airline has established itself at Heathrow in terms of long haul flights with Mumbai and Riyadh introduced, plus next month Jeddah. Total aircrew had increased corresponding with a loss of back office staff. A proposed Doha service, in conjunction with Qatar Airways, has not happened, due, we are told, to a technical objection by another British airline. Qatar Airways themselves have now introduced a third daily service.
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