CAIRO: bmi, Heathrow's second largest airline, will launch a new daily non-stop service from Cairo to London Heathrow beginning Nov. 4, the company announced in a press release. Flights have been available for bookings since early September. bmi has entered a code-share agreement with EgyptAir whereby passengers flying EgyptAir will soon be able to accumulate frequent-flyer points when flying with bmi and vice versa. "We're extremely pleased that our Cairo route will be operated in cooperation with EgyptAir,' said CEO of bmi Nigel Turner. "This agreement will undoubtedly enable each of us to benefit from our strengths in our respective home markets to provide competitive service that appeals to both leisure and business travelers alike. bmi s investment in the new Heathrow to Cairo route will further enhance Cairo's position as a preferred destination for UK travelers. In addition, the new daily service is in itself an endorsement of the Cairo International Airport which, upon completion of its new terminal later this year, will have the capacity to handle 11 million more passengers annually. "bmi will service a total of 36 destinations from Heathrow at the start of the winter timetable, explained Turner. "This further reinforces our position as Heathrow's second biggest carrier and sends a clear message that bmi is a major force within the UK aviation industry. Operating the Airbus A320 aircraft, bmi offers competitive fares starting from only LE 6,790 business and LE 3,228 economy to London Heathrow. According to statistics from the UK Civil Aviation Authority from January to September 2006, bmi is Heathrow's most punctual UK airline, flying 1,700 European and domestic flights each week. Coinciding with the launch of the new routes, bmi is also introducing enhancements to its in-flight product, including improved food and drinks service on all its mid-haul and long haul routes, new amenity kits and kids packs, and in-flight entertainment offering up to 22 films, including the latest blockbuster movies.
