bmi has more aeroplanes and routes, but Virgin has a greater turnover. bmi is an old airline with a distinguished history. It started life as Midland (and probably came from older antecedents), was known for many years as British Midland, and only recently restyled itaself as bmi.
bmi's slots at Heathrow are theirs by historical right, and are much older than Virgin's. However, at the time that the Bermuda 2 agreement enshrined the BA/Virgin/AA/United/Continental LHR-USA slot restrictions, bmi did not operate any long-haul routes, and so weren't part of the deal.
Try bmi's website for more info
Last edited by scroggs; 29th April 2002 at 09:55.