Teesside - Heathrow
Better connected Jun 15 2004
Karen Mclauchlan, Evening Gazette
Teesside's air link to London was today given a vote of confidence as operator bmi announced an expansion of the route.
The company is adding a fourth daily flight to the timetable of the region's connection with the capital.
The new lunchtime connection, which will be up an running by the end of October, will increase capacity on the route by 37.5pc.
The news comes just weeks after bmi said it was replacing its 101-seater aircraft on the route with a 130-seater plane.
Teesside Airport's managing director, Hugh Lang today welcomed the increased commitment from bmi.
"This is excellent news for our business community and further proof of the airline's continued confidence in this important route."
Fears had flared for the future of the link after bmi cut its daily services from Teesside to Heathrow from five to three flights in 2000.
But now from October 31 a total of four lights will operate daily between Teesside and London.
Adrian Parkes, bmi commercial director said: "This improved schedule reinforces our commitment to the Teesside-Heathrow route, the longest established route on the bmi network. The extra flights will provide a better regular daily schedule to and from the capital that will be of enormous benefit to business and leisure travellers alike."
The news was also welcomed today by the region's business leaders.
Alistair Arkley, chairman of the Tees Valley Partnership and chairman of Billingham-based pub group New Century Inns, said: "I'm delighted by the news. This is a key lunchtime flight - which has to be a very good sign for business.
"It's very good news for anyone with connections with the region."
Seats are on sale now with fares starting from as low as £38 one-way, including all taxes and charges, when booked online at flybmi.com.
Richard Whitehouse, commercial manager at Teesside Airport, added: "The ability to fly to our capital city and the world's busiest international airport is a tremendous asset to this region."
When they take off
Daily flight schedule (timings to be confirmed) effective October 31
Teesside - Heathrow:
BD331 - depart 06:45, arrive 07:55
BD333 - depart 08:50, arrive 10:05
BD335 - depart 13:25, arrive 14:25 (new flight)
BD339 - depart 18:10, arrive 19:20
Heathrow - Teesside
BD332 - depart 07:00, arrive 08:05
BD334 - depart 11:30, arrive 12:40 (new flight)
BD338 - depart 16:25, arrive 17:30
BD340 - depart 20:00, arrive 21:05
I told you all this would happen.
