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bmi, the UK's second largest full service scheduled airline, is to launch direct flights between Manchester and the Caribbean islands of Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia, commencing 26 November 2004.

The start of Caribbean services reaffirms the status of bmi as the biggest UK provider of scheduled services across the Atlantic from any UK regional airport, and also marks a number of significant firsts. bmi will be the first and the only carrier to operate direct scheduled services from Manchester to Antigua and St Lucia*, as well as the first and the only airline to offer three different classes of travel on scheduled flights from Manchester to Barbados. bmi will also be unique in providing a direct return service from Barbados for those seeking a seven day break.

The twice weekly service to Barbados will launch 26 November. Weekly services to Antigua commence 27 November and St Lucia* on 1 December.

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