UK carrier launches first-ever long haul service to India

New Delhi: Bmi, UK's second largest full-service scheduled airline, launched its operated by the airline from Heathrow, its main domestic and European hub on May 17. The airline says that it is determined to explore opportunities to develop further services to Indian destinations.

With its extensive domestic and European short-haul network and a choice of onward travel with its Star Alliance partner (the world's leading aviation alliance with 16 member airlines). The Star Alliance network serves 795 destinations in 139 countries with over 15,000 daily flights.

Limited deregulation of air travel between UK and India was agreed in September 2004 and UK airline bmi was granted rights to fly from Heathrow to Mumbai in December.2004.

Speaking on the occasion, Sir Michael Bishop, chairman of bmi, said, "I congratulate the Indian government on being courageous and agreeing to open the market up to much needed competition. Allowing greater direct capacity between India and the UK will now benefit both British and India carriers. Previously, more than 53 per cent of the market between the two countries has been forced to travel via connecting airports in the Middle East to the disadvantage of home carriers.

"For too long our competitors have been able to get away with promising to deliver greater choice and value on long-haul routes such as those to India. But they have not delivered on their promises," he added.

bmi announced that as a result of further deregulation in the Indian market announced last month, it was evaluating options which would allow the airline to further develop its route network from India to Heathrow. The airline offers passengers the choice of business, premium economy and economy classes on its Airbus A-330 aircraft, with meals prepared by fully-trained on-board chefs.