Services boosted at Birmingham Airport with launch of bmi regional

SERVICES from Birmingham Airport have been boosted with the launch of a new regional airline.

bmi regional, which has already created 75 new jobs in the Midlands in the last six months, is running scheduled services to Lyon, Toulouse, Gothenburg and Billund. It is aiming to capture passengers from both the business and leisure sectors.

Operating a fleet of 49-seat Embraer aircraft, bmi regional flies six times weekly to Gothenburg, Toulouse and three times weekly to Lyon. From June 3rd, the airline will also serve Billund in Denmark five times per week.

bmi regional became independent from BMI in June 2012 and employs over 400 staff throughout the UK.

Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport’s CEO said: “We’re delighted to welcome bmi regional to Birmingham Airport. Not only will the new flights provide links to some currently un-served European markets from the Midlands, its arrival will also create new jobs and open up better trade links between Birmingham, France, Sweden and Denmark. bmi regional’s arrival also gives a great choice of European city break locations to explore.”

Cathal O’Connell, Chief Executive of bmi regional, said: “We’re pleased to announce the routes from Birmingham.  With increasing congestion in some London airports, Birmingham Airport is a great alternative to those who recognise the benefits of less crowded airports, speedy boarding, good shopping and eating facilities.”

Tim Harrison-Jones, General Manager at Warwick Castle said: “As one of the region’s leading attractions, we’re delighted about the new bmi regional routes as they make it even easier to reach the Midlands. We’re looking forward to working closely with bmi regional to promote the region and Britain’s Ultimate Castle to new visitors from France, Denmark and Sweden.”