The air link between Inverness and Heathrow, last operated in
1997, has been restored thanks to a deal between HIAL and bmi. Tickets for the
daily service went on sale today.
Bob Macleod, Managing Director of HIAL, said the deal with the
Midlands-based airline would reinforce the ongoing development at the region’s
principal air hub.
The no-frills Swedish airline Snowflake will also start flying
between Inverness and Stockholm at the end of March on Mondays and Fridays.
Online fares start at £47 one way.
Mr Macleod said: "We have been talking to bmi for months and
I’m delighted our negotiations have been concluded successfully. Tickets are now
on sale for the seven-day service with internet fares from £13.50 one way.
Flights will be starting at the end of March.
"The restoration of the Heathrow link reverses the trend of
many years where regional airports have lost access to Heathrow.
"British Airways pulled off the route in 1997 and since then it
has been a battle to get it back. It involved a lot of discussions with the slot
controllers until bmi saw the opportunity to use some of its valuable slots
here.
"We expect Inverness to have handled around 480,000 passengers
by the end of March and the year ahead looks set to see even more growth with
the new services from bmi and Snowflake and Thomson starting holiday charter
flights in addition to Transun’s established programme," said Mr Macleod.
Mr Macleod said that Heathrow also offers excellent
international interlining opportunities for onward travel.
"Interlining means that you can book from Inverness straight
through to whatever destination you have in mind. Heathrow serves more
international destinations than any other UK airport," he said.
"The link with bmi gives us access to the Star Alliance, the
world’s leading aviation alliance, with 15 member airlines, including Lufthansa,
SAS, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada. US Airways is set to
join this year.
"The Star Alliance network serves over 700 airports in 124
countries with almost 11,000 daily flights, and this gives Inverness booking
visibility on the booking systems of all these airlines worldwide.
"I am extremely pleased for the region because a link with
Heathrow is unrivalled for the opportunities it offers, especially for inward
investment," he said.
"Travellers now have a choice of London services to Heathrow,
Gatwick and Luton with bmi, BA CitiExpress and easyJet with timings and fares to
suit both business and leisure travellers. This can only be good news for the
region."
bmi Flights
Daily flight, seven days a week, from
Inverness to London Heathrow dep 1330 arr 1505 (from Heathrow dep 1115 arr 1255)
starting at end of March.
Bookings now available on 0870 607 0555 or online at
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