bmi unveils $750 million fleet acquisition plan

bmi today (10 July 2007) announced that its Board has formally approved the strategy of developing new mid haul and long haul routes from London Heathrow and has authorised the acquisition of ten additional aircraft to add to its current fleet.

Five additional Airbus A330s valued at around $500 million will join the three existing A330 aircraft currently in service, with the first new aircraft expected to be delivered in Spring 2008.

Consequent upon the recent acquisition of British Mediterranean Airways (BMED), bmi will also take delivery of five new Airbus A321s valued at $250 million for an expanded medium haul network.

Nigel Turner, chief executive of bmi, said: “I am delighted that we are able to proceed with the development and expansion of our medium and long haul services. Delivery of ten further aircraft will allow the introduction of new routes and upgrade capacity on existing services in these two important sectors of our business.

“Later this year we will be announcing network plans for our long haul operations in 2008.

“An expanded operation of the former BMED network for the 2007/08 winter schedule will be announced shortly with new routes and enhanced frequencies to commence on 28 October 2007 when BMED will be fully integrated into bmi.”