1 AIR Saudi 11:45GMT10MAR05
BMI TO LAUNCH RIYADH FLIGHTS
UK air links with Saudi Arabia are to be maintained after all, it was revealed today.
Earlier this year, sole UK to Saudi operator British Airways said it would cease its flights to Riyadh and Jeddah from the end of March.
But today bmi (formerly British Midland Airways) said it would be starting three-times-a-week services between Heathrow and Riyadh from mid-summer.
Bmi also announced it would be launching four-times-a-week services between Heathrow and Mumbai (formerly Bombay) on May 14.
Bmi chief executive Nigel Turner said: “We are of course delighted to be confirming the launch date of the first-ever bmi long-haul services from Heathrow, as well as the addition of another key destination to be served shortly afterwards.
“This is a great opportunity for London travellers to experience, for the first time on long-haul flights, the whole range of service benefits and competitive fares that bmi has built its reputation on.”
Bmi will be competing with BA and Virgin Atlantic Airways on the Mumbai route after a new UK-India air agreement opened the door for more flights between the two countries.
mfls
