BRITISH Midland has confirmed a May 28 launch date for its new service from Heathrow to Budapest.
Managing director Austin Reid revealed in September the airline was looking to start a Hungarian flight this summer (Travel Weekly September 16 1998).
The new service, which breaks the British Airways and Malev Hungarian Airlines UK duopoly, gives the airline a third service to eastern Europe after its Czech and Polish operations. Fares to the Hungarian capital lead in at ú141 return.
Before British Midland enhances its eastern European network with Budapest flights, it is increasing service to Warsaw. From April 25, flights will be double-daily instead of once a day.
Later this year, British Midland expects to start Moscow flights from Heathrow, but is waiting for clearance from the Government after it was awarded a licence to operate the Russian route ahead of Virgin Atlantic. Virgin has appealed against the decision. Meanwhile, British Midland is due to confirm orders for either Airbus A330s or Boeing 767s to operate transatlantic services next year. The carrier has been give licences to serve New York, Washington, Miami and Boston.