It now seems that Flybe, a well known carrier, has now entered the race to buy up BMI from Lufthansa. It seems that Flybe may be trying to make a new joint bid with British Airways. As of right now, it is understood that Flybe has registered its interest in trying to buy BMI, but the possibility of British Airways and Flybe making a joint bid has still yet to be talked about.

If Flybe is able to make a successful bid, this should avoid problems with the competition watchdogs. At the same time, it would also stop other people from being able to make their own bid for BMI. Right now British Airways already holds 15 percent of the stakes in Flybe, but it has so far dismissed the speculations of a joint bid. British Airways simply said that they have not discussed any such idea with Flybe.

BMI is already expected to lose £170 million this year, which may make the airline seem to be a bad investment. Of course, the airline is still seen as a key prize because it holds 11 percent of the Heathrow runway slots. This number is only second to British Airways.

Just earlier this year, Lufthansa paid £223 million to the BMI founder, Sir Michael Bishop, to take control of the carrier. This move fulfilled a deal that was under way almost a decade ago. Now it looks as if Lufthansa will turn around and sell the airline. British Airways and Flybe could be the front runners to scoop up this airline and its slots at Heathrow airport.