PPRuNe Forums - BMI to Riyadh?

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- - BMI to Riyadh? (https://www.pprune.org/airlines-airports-routes/166444-bmi-riyadh.html)

After BA went in retreat, it looks like BMI are stepping in. A bold move considering the instability in the region, or a shrewd realisation of the enourmous profitability this offers - even more so if they opened up a cash bar on the "flying pub"!

Quote:

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

:ok:

Before the recent bout of problems it was still a route with condsiderable problems. One issue alone was the security and the Uk government requirments for extra security checks and continuous audits. On top of this crew accomodation, passenger visa checks and the arrival searches of the a/c by the religious police that often left the a/c in a compete shambles and used up valuable time. All services are provided by the state owned handlers and costs the earth and there is not much attention to safety. Good luck !

lucky BMI long haul crews. what a cracking choice of nightstops they are going to have ex LHR, Mumbai or Riyadh.