BMI taps Jet Airways for interlink

...plan to increase flight frequency to India

BY A CORRESPONDENT
February 17, 2006

UK airline British Midland is in talks with Jet Airways for interlinking agreements. Leading Indian business daily Business Standad reported that BMI is also looking to increase its frequency of four flights a week to daily flights between London and Mumbai.

Ravi Pikle, commercial development manager (India & Middle East), BMI, was quoted as saying: "We are in talks with Jet Airways to facilitate connections to other parts of country for Mumbai - London passengers." BMI already has a similar agreement with Indian Airlines, connecting its London passengers to Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ahmedabad." Now, according to Pikle, it is looking at Jet Airways to work the pricing pattern that will enable it to connect to cities like Indore and Ahmedabad.

According to Pikle, Airbus 330 will be deployed in response to the 60 per cent load from India for BMI, which would increase with the summer season. The craft has a three-class cabin configuration with business, premium and economy class.

The airline is also looking at other destinations in India for the winter schedule, and is offering a 7 per cent commission to travel agents to facilitate the trade.

At the moment, the Star Alliance member is looking at United Airline and Air Canada to cover the transatlantic sectors. Pikle said, "The move aims to connect passengers to North America and Canada. We are providing all these value additions at a competitive tariff. Moreover, we are providing a chef on board."