Ryan Skies High Wide And Open

     John Ryan, the bmi air cargo executive based in New York City is one happy fellow now that the veil has finally been lifted and “open skies” between USA and UK are moving toward reality.
     What does open skies mean to bmi with it’s wealth of slots at Heathrow?
     Now mighty Deutsche Lufthansa said it would consider any offer to take control of bmi.
     LH currently holds 30% of the carrier, a bet it made some years ago, and at times may have regretted before open skies finally landed between USA and Europe.
     But now with airline chairman Michael Bishop holding on to 51% of bmi, DLH has gone public with a version of the Priceline gambit, inviting Bishop to name his own deal.
     Stay tuned.
     Alongside all the positives for bmi is the hot button topic of ever increasing traffic at Heathrow amidst the growing uproar generated by anti-airport groups.
     Recently the carrier went on the record:
     “Expansion at Heathrow should be the first priority - but not at any price - followed by a new runway at Gatwick and new capacity at Stansted.
     “We do not believe Cliffe is a realistic option.
     “There must be at least one globally competitive hub airport in the South East; Heathrow is the only realistic option.
     “Expansion of Heathrow will offer significant consumer benefits in terms of greater choice and greater competition; this will stimulate wider economic benefits to the nation as a whole in most cases, rail is not a realistic alternative to air travel.
     “Airlines should not be used as a tool of regional policy.
     “Congestion at airports brings heavy consumer, social and airline costs
     “Expansion of Heathrow will encourage inter-alliance competition, with significant benefits to consumers/the planning cycle must be managed effectively, to encourage benefits in both the short and the long term.
     “Future capacity can and must be planned in a sustainable manner.
     Elsewhere bmi and United Airlines said they have applied to the U.S. Department of Transport to form an alliance for their transatlantic operations.
     If they get the green light, the two airlines could start operating jointly across the Atlantic next March.
     The alliance would enable both carriers to cooperate fully in codesharing, scheduling, pricing and sales and marketing, adding access to connect fully across either carrier's network.
     The top spot in USA for up and coming bmi Cargo may get bigger but as far as John is concerned, customer service and hands on care will be maintained.
     “Our long haul routes are producing excellent cargo business especially from Chicago and also via London to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and elsewhere.
     “From London (LHR) shippers find quick connections to our entire system via a fantasy of flight choices from Heathrow.
     “USA/UK service can only benefit as “Open Skies” affords our superior position at Heathrow the opportunity to unlock even more connections and partnerships.
     “We are moving ahead on all fronts now.”
     bmi operates nearly 2,000 flights a week over a network of 36 airports in Europe, Asia, Middle East and transatlantic to the U.S. and Caribbean.
     bmi also operates a low-fare carrier called bmibaby, flying to 18 destinations in 7 countries.
     Ryan, we are thinking, must believe that in air cargo, you actually get to live twice.
     John you may recall was once part of a small team of air cargo professionals including John, Angelo Pusateri and Alan Chambers that were instrumental in creating Virgin Cargo.
     For his part, John works at keeping his customers close and communications open and constant 24/7 with “The Castle” as bmi Headquarters is referred to in the United Kingdom.
     “Plenty of people who fly just about promise anything you want to get your cargo.
     “The difference is often thought to be a couple of cents per kilo, and truth be told, sometimes it is.
     “But long term air cargo is all about relationships.
     “That is what makes the CNS Partnership Conference in San Diego, California so valuable this week.
     “Here the networking is great and the hope is that newly invigorated conference sessions will get down to business and really advance change in USA air cargo.”
     “In all my years in this business little of the basics have changed.
     “Sure the technology moves at fever pitch ahead.
     “But what remains constant is that you honor your deals, quote the best rates and don’t even think of copping a plea, if something goes wrong.
     “Long distance runners in this business are up-front and able to take a beating whether it’s accolades for a job well done or for settling the screw-ups.
     “I love air cargo and treasure the customers and everybody knows that,” John Ryan smiles.
Geoffrey