British Midland set to reveal US flight plans

Heathrow flights to follow the airline’s direct service from Manchester

British Midland set to reveal US flight plans

Report by LOUISE LONGMAN

BRITISH Midland chairman Sir Michael Bishop will announce plans to launch flights to the US from Heathrow next month, as part of an expansion programme to get into the long-haul market.

The Heathrow flights will follow the airline’s direct Manchester services to Washington and Chicago, which will start next spring.

Sir Michael said: “We are licensed to operate 11 long-haul destinations from Heathrow and the first route we will go for will be to the US.

“I hope to make the Heathrow announcement by the end of next month.”

Bishop declined to say which route would be first, although New York is favourite.

Bishop put his confidence down to the close merger talks between British Airways and KLM and the next round of open-skies talks on October 18.

From April 30, British Midland will fly direct from Manchester to Washington, followed on May 21 by a direct service to Chicago O’Hare.

British Midland will codeshared the routes with Star Alliance partner United Airlines on services operated by A330-200 aircraft.

A full-fare interchangeable business-class ticket from Manchester to Washington Dulles will cost £3,870 compared with £4,178 to Chicago O’Hare.

This compares to BA’s and Continental Airlines’ price of £3,922 to Washington and BA’s £4,666 fare to Chicago.