Airline increases flights to Midlands

By Ross Reid

Published:

AN AIRLINE will increase the number of flights it operates between Aberdeen and Birmingham to three every weekday, it has been announced.

BMI Regional will take over sister airline BMI Baby’s services between the cities from March 29.

The service, which will use Embraer jets with 37 or 50 seats, will replace the existing six times-a-week service.

The airline said the new schedule would give business and leisure travellers more flexibility.

BMI Baby will continue to operate a daily flight from Aberdeen to Birmingham until BMI Regional takes over.

BMI Regional commercial director Peter Kenworthy said: “We are delighted to be operating year-round services between Aberdeen and Birmingham.

“The increased schedule reinforces our commitment to key business routes within the UK and is the fourth domestic destination served by BMI from Aberdeen.

“We recognise the need for a more frequent schedule and we expect the route to be popular with both business and leisure travellers.

“The new service will connect with Star Alliance partner flights at Birmingham to Europe and beyond.”

Aberdeen Airport managing director Kevin Brown welcomed the announcement.

He said: “This is good news from BMI Regional and underlines its commitment to the region.

“This new service will offer more choice and more benefits for business and leisure passengers.

“As England's second- largest city, Birmingham is an important commercial centre and a popular destination for inbound and outbound tourism.

“This new service will strengthen our commercial ties with the Midlands and provide a further boost for local tourism.”

From March 29, flights will leave Aberdeen on Mondays to Fridays at 7am, 2.20pm and 6.15pm. A Sunday flight will leave at 2.45pm.

Weekday flights from Birmingham will depart at 8.50am, 4pm and 7.55pm. A Sunday service will operate from 4.30pm.