Bmi, the second largest operator in terms of slots at Heathrow, is set for major expansion. With lifting of restrictive bi-lateral arrangements across the North Atlantic, the carrier plans to significantly expand its operations to the US.
Together with its recent acquisition of British Mediterranean Airways (BMED) the Derby-based airline is set on its greatest period of growth since it started operations in 1953. This week bmi has committed itself to five additional A330 long haul aircraft and five Airbus A321s, a ”375m ($750m) investment.
Chief executive, Nigel Turner, said: ”I am delighted that we are able to proceed with the development and expansion of our medium and long haul services. Delivery of ten further aircraft will allow the introduction of new routes and upgrade capacity on existing services in the two important sectors of our business.”
Turner said that later this year bmi would be announcing network plans for its long haul operation in 2008, with an introduction date expected at the beginning of the summer schedule next March.
With regard to the former BMED network covering the eastern Mediterranean and much of central Asia, bmi expects shortly to announce its winter schedule with frequencies to commence on 28 October 2007 when BMED will be fully integrated into its new parent.