bmi, British Midland International, London Heathrow’s second largest airline, was the most punctual British airline operating from the airport in 2010 according to the official statistics published by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The data from www.flightontime.info puts bmi first out of Heathrow’s British carriers with 78.8 per cent of bmi flights departing on time. The figures show that bmi is ahead of its domestic and international competitors in 2010 for on time performance.

Over 38,000 bmi flights operated during January to December 2010, and the exceptional punctuality performance occurred despite the UK’s extreme winter weather at the beginning and end of the year.  The weather and the volcanic ash cloud hampered the operations of many other airlines.

Overall the top spot for on time performance went to bmi regional, who were the most punctual airline operating from UK airports in 2010.  This marks the sixth successive year the airline has achieved the number one position in the flightontime.info league table.

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, Chief Executive Officer, bmi, said:

“The punctuality statistics speak for themselves. We have proven our operational excellence in a challenging year experiencing severe weather conditions and the ash cloud in 2010.

“Efficiency and service quality on the ground and in the air is the cornerstone of our business. We strive to provide the best possible service and product for our customers, whether they’re traveling for business or pleasure.

“We offer our customers time saving technology such as mobile check in and paperless boarding, a unique 30 minute check in promise at Heathrow, and an improved network with excellent international and domestic connectivity.  We deliver a consistent service to our customers to ensure they reach their destination on time and in comfort.”