BA restart Northern Ireland route
Tags: BMI, British Airways, George Best Belfast City Airport, Heathrow, IAG, International Airline Group, Northern Ireland
British Airways services have restarted between London Heathrow and Northern Ireland after a gap of more than a decade.
The carrier took over the route after recently acquiring its competitor BMI.
The International Airline Group (IAG), which owns BA, now has increased control over Heathrow landing slots due to the deal.
Businesses in Northern Ireland, along with globe trotters, are regular users of the George Best Belfast City Airport to Heathrow route.
Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, said: “I am delighted today to see the British Airways colours back in Belfast.
“I publicly committed to serving Belfast if we acquired additional runway slots at Heathrow and the acquisition of BMI has given us the perfect opportunity to make that happen.”
Mr Walsh said BA saw just how important the London Heathrow to Northern Ireland link was to the economy in the country.
“Belfast is now part of our global network so this is good news for the economy,” Mr Walsh added.
“It will provide much needed access to key global markets, supporting more inward investment and jobs.”
The schedule’s summer service will remain at six daily return flights, but BA will increase the regularity of flights from October in its winter schedule, adding one more service each day.
Copyright © Press Association 2012
