02/07/2012

British Airways Back In Belfast City For Heathrow Link

British Airways relaunched services between Northern Ireland and London Heathrow today after an 11-year gap.

It follows the acquisition of BMI by International Airlines Group (IAG).

Willie Walsh of IAG told guests at an event at Belfast City Airport today that British Airways was delighted the route was again part of the airline’s network and he was committed to maintaining the link.

The event marked the arrival of the first British Airways liveried aircraft to Belfast and was attended by VIPs including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Owen Paterson, Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Ald. Gavin Robinson.

Mr Walsh said: "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. We recognise the importance of the Heathrow link to Northern Ireland. Belfast is now part of our global network so this is good news for the economy. It will provide much needed access to key global markets, supporting more inward investment and jobs."

British Airways will continue to operate six return flights a day on the service, and add an extra flight a day in the winter service.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "The London-Belfast route is of vital importance to our local economy and tourism industry."

(NE/GK)

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