bmi regional has welcome a delegation of business leaders from across south west and south Wales on the inaugural flight of the new Bristol to Hamburg route.

With thousands of bookings made since the route was announced earlier this year, the significant interest underlines the demand for the service and consolidates bmi regional’s position at Bristol following the introduction of other direct services from the city to Aberdeen and Frankfurt.

The airline will take guests to meet their counterparts in Hamburg to discuss strengthening business and tourism links between the two cities.

The delegation will also be given a guided tour of the German city before returning tomorrow evening.

bmi regional is initially flying jet-operated flights five days a week between Bristol and Hamburg, increasing to 12 per week from April 8th. 

The arrival of the first flight will be marked with a water arch at Hamburg Airport.

Cathal O’Connell, chief executive, bmi regional said: “As an organisation we are committed to developing markets in areas where our customers want to travel.

“The launch of this new service to Hamburg and, from next month, to Frankfurt, is a continuation of our promise to serve key economic and transport hubs to multiple destinations across Europe.”