JEDDAH, 30 June 2005 — bmi — formerly British Midland Airways — has announced the launch of three flights a week from London Heathrow to Riyadh. This flight is in addition to its new route to Mumbai which has already been confirmed. The launch of the new London to Riyadh service partially replaces the daily flight operated by British Airways which terminated the flights at the end of March this year, citing non-profitability as a result of security concerns.
The announcement caused business analysts some surprise as the Middle East was regarded as a significant revenue earner for the airline. Its flights to Africa, the Middle East and India last year produced over $2 billion of revenue and $38.15 of operating profits in 2004. A BA spokeswoman said in January this year: “The routes are not making a profitable contribution so we’re unable to continue operating them.”
The new carrier is expected to introduce even more long haul flights from Heathrow, and to serve a greater number of destinations, including India, as soon as the opportunity is presented.
“bmi will be the only British carrier offering scheduled services to Saudi Arabia,” said bmi Chief Executive Nigel Turner.
Riyadh will be served from Heathrow on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday with return flights on the same days. bmi will be the only British carrier offering flights to Saudi Arabia from the UK. Flights will begin sometime in autumn.
The new route represents a departure for bmi which built its reputation on efficient low cost short-haul routes in Europe. To support the development of the London Heathrow operation, the airline will introduce a fourth aircraft into its long haul fleet.
Commenting on the new developments, Turner said: “We are delighted to be confirming the launch date of the first bmi long haul services from London Heathrow, as well as the addition of another key destination to be served shortly afterwards.” To support the company’s developing presence in the market, bmi will add an additional long-haul aircraft to its fleet. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Britain have close trading relationships and we are delighted to be able to serve the traveling needs of Britons and Saudis,” Turner said.
British Airways terminated its services to Saudi Arabia, blaming war in the Middle East for a reduction in business and leisure travel to the region. The airline contended the decision was reached purely on commercial grounds — although it made public its concerns over security in the area which prompted the cancellation of a series of flights a year ago.
One BA pilot was reported as commenting that there would be relief in the airline about the decision: “These flights are too hazardous — it’s just warning, warning, warning. The commercial thing is an excuse to avoid treading on Saudi toes.”