More in

Don't blame us

We have heard a lot in the news recently about the problems surrounding Airbus and Eads.

It seems to me that while there may be a technical issue at the root of the delays to the production of the A380, the controversy has been fuelled by management issues that have nothing to do with engineering.

I hope we do not lose sight of the fact that the A380 will, whatever happens, play a big part in the future of the aerospace industry in the UK and across mainland Europe.

The real battle is to make sure that everything possible is done to keep as much Airbus engineering and production here - especially the wings manufacturing plant.

I have read suggestions that this might move to mainland Europe, which would be a damaging and unnecessary waste of the skills built up in this part of the UK over recent years.

Colin Robinson

Chester

 

Make your point to The Engineer and take off with bmi

How to enter
Write a letter to The Engineer magazine and you could win a pair of tickets to one of bmi’s European destinations, courtesy of our friends at the airline.

Flexible and competitive
bmi asked 10,000 customers ‘what would make a great airline?’

The answer was clear: competitive fares, more choice and less time wasted at airports. So bmi acted, introducing a unique fare structure on domestic and European short-haul flights to and from London Heathrow. Thanks to three fare options — including premium economy, with benefits including lounge access and flexibility — you choose the services you want, depending on your business trip.

What’s more, bmi has streamlined the passenger process from the moment of buying the ticket, to your passage through the airport, to boarding the aircraft. You can book e-tickets online and then check in online at home, in your office, or even on the move.

Alternatively, there are self-check-in machines and priority check-in desks at the airport. You can even use bmi ‘web points’ to check in online at the airport, if that’s more convenient. All this means you can save valuable time from booking, right until your plane takes off.

The prize
Try the smart approach for yourself, courtesy of bmi. The winner of The Engineer’s Letter of the Month prize for April, as selected by the editor, will win a pair of tickets from London Heathrow to any destination on bmi’s European mainline network.

Click here for terms and conditions.

The Engineer
50 Poland Street
London
W1F 7AX