bmi regional announced a new route between East Midlands Airport and Cologne.

Dammam was announced as the third destination to be served in Saudi Arabia from Heathrow. Services are expected to start early in 2008.

bmi and United Airlines announced the expansion of their codeshare agreement allowing bmi to add five new US destinations to its codeshare route network from Heathrow - Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, San Francisco and Denver. The move followed the signing of an Open Skies agreement between the EU and US.

bmi warned that regulation authority recommendations of price increases at Heathrow placed under further scrutiny the existence and viability of vital UK regional air links into Heathrow and had the potential of pricing them out of the market.

Continuing its network expansion from Heathrow, bmi announced the introduction of daily direct services to Tel Aviv for March 2008.

Lie-flat beds were introduced in business on long haul flights to the US and Caribbean from Manchester during September. Premium economy was also upgraded, offering a genuine business class seat with more space than competitors.  

On 4 September bmi announced the largest-ever expansion of its route network, with the opening of sales to 17 new destinations, including Baku, Tehran, Beirut, Amman, Almaty and Yerevan. The new routes, starting 28 October 2007, will operate from Heathrow's Terminal 1 with an improved timetable for business travellers and with a new enhanced in-flight product.

The move marks the completion of the integration of BA destinations that were operated by BMED under a franchise agreement. BMED was purchased by bmi in February 2007. 

On 18 July, bmi announces the launch of a new route from Heathrow to Cairo. The daily service is to launch on 4 November 2007. The new competitive service will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft in a two class business and economy configuration.

On 10 July bmi announced the acquisition of ten additional aircraft to add to its current fleet. Five additional Airbus A330s valued at around $500 million will join the three existing A330 aircraft currently in service, with the new aircraft being delivered from spring 2008.

bmi will also take delivery of five new Airbus A321s valued at $250 million, catering for an expanded medium haul network created through the integration of BMED.

bmi regional started daily direct service from Manchester – Lyon 25 May.

Star Alliance celebrated its tenth anniversary on 14 May.  It currently has 17 member carriers flying more than 406 million passengers a year to some 855 destinations in 155 countries – 27 per cent of the world’s total air passengers!

bmi group releases financial results for year end 2006 showing operating profit increase of 85 per cent to £10.2 million (pre-tax profit up 197 per cent to £29.7 million) under extremely difficult operating conditions – security disruption in August and fog in December cost bmi some £10 million.

Statistics from the CAA for 2006 show that bmi is once again the most punctual British airline at Heathrow, while bmi regional is the most punctual airline in the UK overall.

bmi launches new business traveller focused initiative 02 April.  Designed after eight months of consultation and feedback with both customers and staff, the new service sees the introduction of an improved offering and product for the airline’s most loyal customers – Diamond Club members.

bmi regional launched the first direct air route between Leeds Bradford - Lille 23 April.

bmi regional launched Aberdeen – Brussels 16 April.

bmi regional launch both Edinburgh – Zurich and Leeds Bradford - Copenhagen 26 March.

bmi regional launched new route Aberdeen to Kristiansand 30 March.

An open skies treaty between the EU and the US was voted through on 22 March.  For more than a decade bmi has campaigned for the deal, which will allow lucrative routes between Heathrow and the US to be opened up to competition from March 2008, breaking the stranglehold of the four incumbent carriers.

bmi’s subsidiary airline, bmibaby, celebrated its 5th birthday 20 March. 

On 2 February British Midland plc, the holding company of bmi, announces that it has acquired BA franchise operator BMED, in a deal worth £30m.  The Heathrow based airline is an operator of 17 medium haul routes to the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The airline will be integrated into the bmi group during 2007 and creates a business with a turnover in excess of £1bn.

On 26 January, bmi announces the launch of a new route from Heathrow to Jersey. The service is to launch on 25 March 2007 and will be twice daily.  It will be the first direct connection between Jersey and the world’s busiest international airport for six years.

On 10 January, bmi regional confirm three new routes to start in March 2007 with the commencement of the summer timetable.  They are Aberdeen to Kristiansand; Edinburgh to Zurich; Leeds Bradford to Copenhagen.  Also announced is an expansion of the fleet with four more Embraer jet to be delivered during 2007 taking the total fleet number to 20.

In this year, the following services are launched:
Aberdeen – Amsterdam
London Heathrow – Jeddah
London Heathrow – Moscow (October)

On 19 September, during a private visit to Saudi Arabia, bmi chairman Sir Michael Bishop announces that the Airbus A330 series long haul aircraft in the group fleet are to be fitted with the latest lie-flat seat technology in the business cabin. The Italian-made beds will be installed in the three aircraft over spring/early summer 2007.

On 14 September, bmibaby, the low-cost airline in the bmi group confirms that it is to suspend services from Durham Tees Valley Airport at the end of October 2006. The airport became a bmibaby base in Autumn 2003. The remaining bmibaby bases are Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester and Nottingham East Midlands.

On 24 August, the bmi group appoints two new managing directors. Stewart Adams, acting managing director of bmi regional is confirmed in the post and Crawford Rix, ex-managing director of bmi regional is appointed as managing director of bmibaby.

On 11 July bmi announces a new route from Heathrow to Moscow Domodedovo. Transaero of Russia will also begin flights from Moscow to London Heathrow.  A commercial agreement between the two carriers was a condition of the designation of bmi to serve Moscow from London Heathrow, following the recent bilateral negotiation between the UK and Russian Federation Governments. bmi and Transaero will each operate one flight daily. The agreement will also allow codesharing and onward connections through the bmi and Transaero route network. bmi will operate a specially modified Airbus A320 aircraft configured with a separate business and economy cabin.  The service will be bmi’s first ever medium haul route.
 
On 29 June bmi celebrate 20 years of Heathrow Amsterdam services – an historic route for bmi. On 29 June 1986 bmi became the first independent carrier to be allowed to compete on international European trunk routes with the two national flag carriers. The London-Amsterdam route was the first European route to be de-regulated and was soon followed by other routes, finally allowing competition and affordable air travel to tens of millions of people across Europe.

At a ceremony to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the launch of London-Amsterdam flights, Sir Michael Bishop, bmi chairman calls for the EU/US governments to learn the lessons of 20 years of European deregulation and allow fair competition across the Atlantic. He commented that the consumer will always be the loser if transatlantic air fares are influenced or set by forces other than a free and deregulated market

On 8 June, bmi celebrates the 5th anniversary of its transatlantic services between Manchester and Chicago.

On 18 May, bmi inaugurates services from London Heathrow to Jeddah. The new 3x weekly service to Saudi Arabia becomes the group’s third long haul route launched from Heathrow in 13 months.

On 18 May, bmi inaugurates services from London Heathrow to Jeddah. The new 3 x weekly service to Saudi Arabia becomes the group’s third long haul route launched from Heathrow in 13 months.

In May, bmi regional announce that it is to become the first bmi group airline to operate services from Southampton Airport. A new Southampton-Amsterdam service will begin on 29 October with 4 x flights on weekdays, one on Saturdays and two on Sundays.

In May Sir Michael Bishop confirms that he has increased his personal stake in British Midland plc. Sir Michael now owns 50% plus one share, Lufthansa 30% minus one share and Scandinavian Airlines 20%.

In April bmi regional are officially named as the most punctual airline operator at all UK airports by flightontime. Info. The website uses official CAA statistics to compile the results. bmi regional scoops the annual award after 88% of all flights in 2005 are registered on time

In April the Heathrow-Mumbai service increases to a daily flight schedule. The route began on 14 May 2005.

Sir Michael Bishop announces financial results for year ended 31 December 2005. Group turnover increased by 4.7% to £869m. Pre-tax profits have improved from £2.6m in 2004 to £10m. Overall passenger load factor is 71%.

In March an Air services agreement between Russia and the UK is finally ratified by the Russian authorities after 5 years. The original agreement in which bmi was given designation to fly to Russia is now formally accepted. No immediate route announcement is made.

On 27 March, bmi regional launches direct Aberdeen-Amsterdam services.  Also in March the UK Department of Transport rejects bmi proposal for a Heathrow-Doha service.

In March, bmi urge approval of an Open Skies agreement after talks at the EU transport meeting in Brussels.

In February, bmi launches a new internet check-in facility, enabling passengers to check in at their convenience at home or the office and spend less time at the airport. Improved technology is also introduced at airports through self-serve kiosks and web-points and online at flybmi.com.

In January, bmibaby has a double celebration at Birmingham  - the first anniversary of the base and the millionth passenger carried coincide on the same weekend.

In this year, the following services are launched:
London Heathrow – Mumbai
London Heathrow – Riyadh
London Heathrow - Lyon
bmibaby services from Birmingham – 5th UK base

In December, bmi begins Heathrow- Lyon services and bmi regional announces that from March 2006, it will begin a three times daily service between Aberdeen and Amsterdam.

In October, bmi announce intentions to fly 3 x weekly between London Heathrow and Jeddah and increase the 4 x weekly service to Mumbai to daily in 2006. The plans are confirmed in December, with a launch date of Spring 2006, along with an announcement that a daily Heathrow-Doha service will launch in March 2006 under a wet-lease agreement with Qatar Airways (subject to approval).

In October, following the re-start of EU/US talks on opens skies, bmi demands that the restrictive Bermuda II agreements be abolished. After follow-up talks in November, bmi welcome US proposals on relaxing ownership rules for US domiciled airlines.
 
In October, bmibaby, the bmi group low-cost airline celebrate carrying its 10 millionth passenger. The landmark passenger checked in at Nottingham East Midlands Airport, the home base for bmibaby and the same airport where the ‘Tiny’ revolution started on 20 March 2002.

In October, bmibaby celebrate a hat trick of awards. In the 2005 Daily Telegraph reader travel awards, bmibaby is voted the ‘best low-cost airline’ for the third consecutive year – not bad for an airline that only began flights in 2002!

On 1 September a 3 x weekly service begins between London Heathrow and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

September also sees bmi being the first British airline to be awarded the IOSA standard (IATA Operational Safety Audit). IOSA is IOSA is the first internationally accepted standard on multiple aspects of operational safety, security and control.

Also in September bmi announces it will become one of two launch customers (with TAP Portugal) for OnAir technology – which will allow the use of mobile data devices in flight, including the use of GPRS enabled cellphones, blackberries etc. Subject to regulatory approvals, bmi will trial the technology on one Airbus A320 series aircraft in late 2006.

From 1 August a new business model for Heathrow is applied to domestic and European services. A single-class service and simpler fares, amongst many other changes including e-enabled facilities and quicker processes at airports, are introduced. Five core business routes to/from Heathrow continue to retain a separate economy and business class cabin service – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin, Brussels.

Also in August a new winter only service is announced. For the winter 05 ski season, bmi will operate a 4 x weekly service between Heathrow and Lyon. Operating on Friday to Mondays the service will start on 3 December 2005 and conclude on 20 April 2006.

In May, at a press conference in London to mark the start of bmi’s first ever long haul services from London Heathrow to Mumbai on 14 May, chairman Sir Michael Bishop reveals that air travellers are being denied savings of up to £650 million, due to restricted competition on ten key routes from London Heathrow.

In April bmi welcomes the conclusion of UK and Indian government’s talks that allow more flight capacity and frequencies between the two countries.

In March, bmi confirms operations of a 4 x weekly service between London Heathrow and Mumbai. Services will start on 14 May. bmi also announces intention to operate flights between London Heathrow and Riyadh.

In March, Sir Michael Bishop announces that the bmi has returned to profitability. Company records a pre-tax profit of £2.1 million (2003: loss of £8.9m) and an increased turnover of £830m (2003: £772m). Passengers carried in 2004 exceeded 10.5 million, compared to 9.4 million flown in 2003.

In January, David Bryon is appointed managing director of bmibaby.

In this year, the following services are launched:

London Heathrow – Aberdeen
London Heathrow – Inverness
London Heathrow – Naples
Manchester – Las Vegas
Manchester – Barbados
Manchester – Antigua
Manchester – St Lucia
Manchester – Toronto (for Summer 2004 only)
Aberdeen – Groningen
Leeds Bradford – London City
bmibaby services from Gatwick

In December, the result of the CAA scarce-capacity hearing allocates services each of the three airlines who have applied to operate routes between the UK and India; bmi, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. bmi is awarded only four frequencies to Mumbai. It had applied for seven, plus frequencies to Bangalore. An appeal is lodged against the ruling.

In November, bmi announce management appointments. Alex Grant, managing director of bmi regional becomes chief operations officer, bmi. Crawford Rix, commercial director of bmi regional becomes managing director. Other managerial posts are also announced.

In October, Nigel Turner is appointed to the post of chief executive officer, bmi following the retirement of Austin Reid.

In October, bmi announces an intention to fly to destinations in India after an agreement is made between the UK and Indian Governments to allow extra flights between the two countries

In August, for the first time in the airline’s history, over one million passengers flew during a single month.

In May, bmi chairman Sir Michael Bishop says the vested interests of BA and Virgin should not be allowed to block a landmark ‘open skies’ deal between the US and the EU.

In May, 3 bmi cabin crew members are awarded the OAG  Oustanding Service Award at a ceremony in London. The three crew members saved the life of a bmi passenger at 37,000ft during a flight from Chicago to Manchester using a revolutionary Tempus 2000 inflight tele-medecine system.

In March, the bmi group report improved performance for the year ended 31 December 2003. Pre-tax losses have been halved to £9.8million, turnover increased to £772million and passenger carryings reached 9.4 million – a record for the group

In February, bmi takes delivery of it’s first Airbus A319 aircraft. The first of three to be delivered over the beginning of this year.

In this year, the following services are launched:

London Heathrow – Alicante
London Heathrow – Venice
London Heathrow - Tenerife
Aberdeen – Norwich
East Midlands - Brussels
bmibaby services from Manchester and Teesside

In December, bmi reacts with disappointment after the UK Government announces that Stansted is the preferred choice for a new runway ahead of Heathrow in it aviation white paper. The airline believes that Britain’s economic interests would be best served by building a new short runway at Heathrow and that this Government announcement could seriously damage Heathrow’s position as one of the worlds leading airports.

In November, bmi objects to the UK Government’s decision to grant Cathay Pacific the right to be able to fly from Heathrow to the USA, as part of an agreement with the Hong Kong authorities to allow Virgin Atlantic the right to fly to Australia. bmi continues to be denied access to the Heathrow – US market through the restrictive Bermuda II treaty.

In October, bmi calls for British Airways and Iberia to give up slots at Heathrow. Concerns have been highlighted to the European Commission over the proposed co-operation agreements between BA, Iberia and GB Airways. bmi feels that the commercial agreement raises serious competition concerns over flights between the UK and Spain, lessening competition between Heathrow and Madrid and removing competition altogether between Heathrow and Barcelona.

In September, bmi urges Government to take note of the potential impact of the KLM/ Air France merger at the UK’s dominant hub - Heathrow.  The 2 airlines have dominant positions at Amsterdam Schiphol & Paris Charles de Gaulle, which have invested heavily in their facilities over the past few years and are seizing transfer traffic from Heathrow.  Heathrow’s capacity must be developed as a result or the world-leading role of Britain’s aviation industry will be under threat.

In September, bmi announces that it is speeding up the strategy of moving towards a single (Airbus) fleet operation. The airline is to take delivery of 4 new Airbus A319 aircraft in 2004, and has an option to take a further 5. The first 3 aircraft will be delivered in Spring 2004. bmi’s fleet of 13 Boeing 737 have been transferred to bmibaby operations and bmi regional will continue to operate a fleet of 13  Embraers.

In July, a record-breaking 905,000 passengers traveled. This is the first time the 900,000 mark has been surpassed in the company’s history.

In July, bmi adds Alicante and Nice to its Pet Travel Scheme network. The scheme is already available to/from Amsterdam, Brussels, Madrid, Milan (Linate), Palma.

In June, self serve check-in machines are installed at London Heathrow, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

In June, Manchester - Washington DC services resume.

In May, Diamond Club, bmi’s frequent flyer programme, moves from a points to a mileage based rewards.

In April, bmi’s 2002 financial results reported a record growth in revenue passengers to 7.5 million, 11.9 per cent up on the previous year. The group recorded a pre tax loss of £19.6 million against a pre tax profit of £12.4 million in 2001

In April, bmi makes aviation history when one of its passengers became the first commercial airline passenger ever to have an electrocardiogram (ECG or heart trace) recorded in flight and transmitted by satellite to physicians on the ground in the States. The quality of the reading was so good that doctors were able to give instant advice to the cabin crew, who administered treatment. The passenger made a full recovery.

In April, Figures published by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) showed that bmi was, overall, the UK's most punctual scheduled airline during 2002 when compared to rival airlines. bmi was consistently more punctual than British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet, across comparable services.

In February, bmi announces it is to consolidate its Belfast operations at Belfast City Airport, switching services from Belfast International.  Construction of a £1.5m passenger facility and dedicated business lounge for bmi Belfast City passengers is officially opened in March.

In February, bmi says it is appalled at news that the CAA has rubber-stamped a massive increase in BAA's landing charges at London Heathrow.

In January, bmi announce that the bmi regional engineering base is to be moved to new headquarters at Aberdeen

In January, bmi slams airport charges. BAA are to force increases of 40 per cent above inflation on airlines and their passengers to pay for the investment needed to construct a new Terminal 5. Airlines and passengers will have to carry the burden of the cost over the next five to seven years. This will be in advance of the opening of the new terminal and passengers using Heathrow will face the prospect of higher fares.

In January, Tim Bye and Nigel Turner are appointed board directors of bmi.

In January, bmi british midland becomes known as bmi.

In this year, the following services are launched:

Manchester – Toulouse
Leeds Bradford – Cork
Edinburgh - Stornoway
bmibaby services from East Midlands and  Cardiff

In December, bmi launches a new concept in in-flight catering. ‘food on the go’ will be introduced for passengers travelling business class on domestic and European flights from LHR from early December.

In November, bmi backs future expansion and development at LHR. The airline states that it is vital to competition.

In November, bmi announces record time departures. bmi consistently bettered the competition from LHR and regional airports.

In November, bmi urges continuation of UK/US talks. bmi continues to campaign for the right to operate transatlantic services from LHR.

In November, bmi announces that Manchester to Washington DC services will be suspended until 1 June 2003.

In July, bmi welcomes the publication of the Government’s long awaited Regional Capacity Studies that deal with how to cope with rising public demand for air travel and where additional airport facilities might be built. The studies are the next step towards the forthcoming Aviation White Paper, which will look 30 years ahead.

In June, and following the abolition of traditional fare restrictions in April, bmi brings simple one way fare structure to its domestic and European network. The move means simpler, lower fares for both domestic and European passengers particularly at London Heathrow, the airline’s main operating base.

In May, Sir Michael Bishop, chairman of bmi welcomes growing consensus for reform of UK-US air services regulation.  There is increasing recognition that the Bermuda II Treaty, which limits the provision of Heathrow-US services to just four airlines, must be dismantled.

In April, bmi becomes first to install and use inflight telemedicine technology on long haul flights with installation of Tempus 2000. Showing commitment to passenger health and safety and the latest advances in medical technology.

In April, bmi reports an increase in pre-tax profits of 51.2 per cent to £12.4 million on a 2.4 per cent growth in revenues to £756.9 million for the year ending 31 December 2001. Passengers carried declined by 5.2 per cent to 6.7 million as a direct consequence of the tragic events in September.  The company estimates that £35 million revenue was lost as a result primarily through a significant drop in transfer passengers through the Heathrow hub post 11 September.

In April, bmi announces a major overhaul of its domestic fares on flights to and from London Heathrow. Saturday night and minimum stay requirements will be removed and extra flexibility ensures customers can take advantage of economy fares on same day returns.

In March, Sir Michael Bishop speaks to the Aviation Group of MPs and Peers at Westminster and calls upon the government to support competition, choice and lower air fares on Heathrow-US routes.

In January, bmi approaches EU to ask them to investigate UK Government for continued support of anti-consumer regulation of flights between LHR & US.

In January, bmi announces the launch of new low cost airline “bmibaby” which is to initially operate from East Midlands Airport. Tony Davis is named managing director of the new airline. Services to operate to 8 destinations using fleet of B737-300 aircraft. On 20 March, the first ever bmibaby flight departs from East Midlands to Malaga.