bmi introduces direct flights between UK and Lille

bmi regional, officially the UK’s most punctual and reliable airline, today announces another new international air route from Leeds Bradford and a first for the UK. Starting 23 April, direct flights will link Leeds Bradford with Lille in northern France six days a week with convenient flight schedules for both business and leisure purpose travellers.

Flights are also timed to offer excellent connections at Leeds Bradford to and from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The new flights not only mark the first direct air route between the French airport and the UK, but will also create an important air link between two key industrial cities which are also twinned. Both Leeds and Lille are busy transport logistics hubs, serving many similar industries including mail order and textiles.

Lille is also France’s third largest city, a leading commerce centre with a growing profile and gaining popularity as a tourism destination and alternative gateway to northern France. Previously unserved from the UK, passengers travelling to Lille would need to fly into Paris and take onward ground connections, similarly travellers to Leeds and the north of England would need to travel via London or Manchester.

Stewart Adams, managing director bmi regional, said: “This is an important addition to the bmi regional European flight network and underlines our commitment to serving Leeds Bradford Airport and the surrounding region.

“Leeds and Lille already share a common and special link with their twin-city status. This important new air link will not only serve to strengthen that bond in terms of both business and tourism, but will also raise their respective profiles and encourage more opportunities.”

Cllr Stewart Golton, Chair of the Board of Directors of Leeds Bradford Airport said: "It is exciting news to hear that Leeds Bradford will be the first UK airport to have a service to Lille. With strong business links in the Yorkshire region, Lille will prove extremely popular with the textile and mail order sectors. As we are also twinned cities, this news will be greatly received and will strengthen the connections and existing relationships even further.“

Jean-Christophe Minot, Lille Airport ceo, said: “The Lille community and airport welcomes bmi regional and our first scheduled air service to the UK. Leeds and Lille enjoy a close business and historical relationship. Our two dynamic cities will now become even closer thanks to the new, direct flights.”

This latest announcement from bmi regional follows the recent news that the Aberdeen based airline and subsidiary of bmi will be increasing its jet aircraft fleet by 25% during 2007 and also launching direct Leeds Bradford-Copenhagen flights from 26 March.

Using modern Embraer jet aircraft on the new route, passengers can look forward to attractive business and economy fares and the renowned bmi regional service, which continues to offer complimentary in-flight refreshments to all passengers.

bmi regional also continues to be the UK’s most punctual airline, according to CAA published statistics. Unrivalled punctuality and reliance in the air is matched with speed and efficiency on the ground with business lounge facilities and range of check-in options, including online or self-service check-in.