bmi and SWISS announce new service to Basel

NEW YORK – British Midland International (bmi) and SWISS have announced new routes from London Heathrow and Manchester to Basel, Switzerland, starting March 27, 2011.

The routes will be operated in partnership with SWISS, and offer three flights per day on weekdays between London Heathrow and Basel, with two services on Saturdays and Sundays, and a daily weekday flight between Manchester and Basel.

Services will be operated by bmi using an Airbus A319 aircraft offering a full service business class and economy cabin with conveniently timed schedules for both business and leisure customers. Business class cabin seating will be a 2:2 configuration, with the middle seat kept free to offer more space to work or simply relax. A full business class service, including hot meals and a fully stocked bar will be served on all flights.

Customers in economy will enjoy bmi’s full service benefits such as free checked baggage to a total weight of 44 pounds, complimentary food service and full bar throughout the day.

bmi business class customers, Diamond Club gold and silver members can take advantage of bmi’s flagship international lounge, The Great British Lounge, at London Heathrow Terminal One. Star Alliance gold members are also offered complimentary lounge access.

Joerg Hennemann, chief commercial officer, bmi, commented:

“Our customers now have the chance to discover the vibrant and historic city of Basel, on its idyllic Rhine setting, and the surrounding region. From Basel you can reach some of the best skiing regions in Switzerland and enjoy easy access to Alsace and Germany’s Black Forest due its unique location at the border triangle between all three countries. For our business customers, the new route gives them direct and frequent services to a key Swiss commercial city and the tri-national region. Today, Basel is the most successful economic region in Switzerland and is also the leading convention center of the country. We are delighted to offer more new routes from Heathrow and from Manchester to boost tourism and business links between the United Kingdom (UK) and Switzerland.”

Felix Rodel, country manager of Ireland & UK, SWISS, added:

“We are very excited about this collaboration which focuses on the right destination, the right schedule and increased capacity for our customers. This latest co-operation with our partner bmi is just another example of how we can further enhance the offer to our customers by working closely together within the Lufthansa Group. Business travelers will benefit from increased capacity between London and Basel by 135 percent with the switch from London City airport to London Heathrow airport for all Basel flights. The Manchester to Basel capacity will also increase by 84 percent, both routes being served by bmi Airbus A319 aircraft.

“Basel is not only a dynamic economic region, but also a gateway to the charming TriRhena region. The third biggest Swiss city especially attracts art lovers with countless museums, theatres, galleries and famous events such as the Art Basel exhibition.”

Schedule London Heathrow-Basel:

BD161 (codeshare LX4429) dep 07:15 arr 09:50 Monday-Saturday

BD167 (codeshare LX4425) dep 16:50 arr 19:25 Monday-Saturday

BD167 (codeshare LX4425) dep 16:55 arr 19:30 Sunday

BD169 (codeshare LX4427) dep 19:25 arr 22:00 Monday-Friday, Sunday

Basel-London Heathrow:

BD160 (codeshare LX4420) dep 07:25 arr 08:10 Monday-Friday

BD160 (codeshare LX4420) dep 07:30 arr 08:15 Saturday

BD162 (codeshare LX4426) dep 16:00 arr 16:40 Monday

BD162 (codeshare LX4426) dep 16:10 arr 16:50 Tuesday-Friday, Sunday

BD168 (codeshare LX4428) dep 20:30 arr 21:05 Monday-Friday, Sunday

BD168 (codeshare LX4428) dep 20:50 arr 21:25 Saturday

Schedule Manchester-Basel:

BD301 (codeshare LX4431) dep 12:15 arr 15:00 Monday-Friday

Basel-Manchester

BD300 (codeshare LX4430) dep 10:50 arr 11:40 Monday-Friday