Bmi launched a daily service on Friday, 25 May, from Manchester to Lyon, the third largest French city, using 50-seat Embraer jets with a flight time of around two hours.
The new service follows the British Airways (BA) exit from Manchester and Birmingham, with alternative routes via Heathrow (T4) and Stansted.
With a reputation as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is a major centre of business and is renowned for its silk, textiles and fashion. It also provides a gateway to the Alps and some of France”s oldest wine regions.
Bmi regional commercial director, Peter Kenworthy, said: ”We are delighted to be launching flights between the cities of Manchester and Lyon, both of which are important business and popular tourist destinations. Our services are designed for the business and leisure traveller and we look forward to welcoming passengers onboard.”
The new service also provides a fast service between Scotland and Lyon as it connects with the airline”s expanding network from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow to Manchester.