bmi to launch new route to Tripoli

One of Britain's leading airlines, bmi, is to launch a new, daily service from London to the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

The service, operated by an Airbus A319, will begin on 1st December 2010 and is available to book from today. Flight BD469 will depart London Heathrow at 08:55hrs and arrive in Tripoli at 14.30hrs. Flight BD470 will leave Tripoli at 15:15hrs, arriving at London Heathrow at 16:45hrs.

The Business Class cabin will offer a full Business Class service, including hot meals with a British twist served on all flights and a fully stocked bar service. The seating in the Business Class cabin will offer a 2:2 configuration, with the middle seat kept free to offer more space to work or just to relax.

Customers in Economy will enjoy bmi's full service benefits such as free checked baggage to a total weight of 20kg and a complimentary food service including a hot breakfast and full bar service throughout the day.

Business Class customers and Diamond Club Gold and Silver members can take advantage of bmi's flagship international lounge, the Great British Lounge, at London Heathrow Terminal One. Star Alliance Gold members will also be offered complimentary lounge access.

Visitors to Tripoli, a vibrant oil city, will find much of its ancient charm still intact, including the Roman arch of Marcus Aurelius. Day trips can be taken to the sites of several Roman ruins and there are many beautiful beaches outside the city.

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, Chief Executive of bmi, commented:

"bmi's new route to Tripoli expands our existing services to and from cities of influence across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Our business customers in particular will find the new, daily service gives them even more choice between the UK and Libya and offers convenient domestic and long haul connections via our Heathrow hub."

Prices from London Heathrow to Tripoli start from £265 return, including all fees and taxes.