bmi british midland has increased its offering to customers travelling to the USA to 29 onward destinations via its co-operation agreement with Star Alliance partner, United Airlines.

The co-operation agreement enables customers to book with bmi british midland from Manchester to Washington Dulles International Airport and Chicago O’Hare and then connect onward to United Airlines flights. The destinations are: San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, Denver, Tampa, Miami, Dallas, Philadelphia, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Houston, Detroit, Orange County, Austin, Portland, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Tuscan, Cincinnati, Hartford and San Jose.

In addition to opening up the North American market to greater competition from Manchester the agreement also provides a number of customer benefits. These include through check-in and reciprocal frequent flyer schemes.

James Hogan, chief operating officer bmi british midland said:

“Since announcing, in 1998, our intention to return to the transatlantic market we have continually looked at ways to make our customer’s travel experience as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

“We brought in the best professionals in the market to work on our product and service, both on the ground and in the air, and we are confident that customers will return time and time again to experience our unique offering.

“This agreement with United Airlines builds on that philosophy, as we have worked closely with our Star Alliance partner to harmonise schedules and systems in order to ensure that onward travel is as seamless and stress free as possible.

“This first class style of service is what we want to bring to the restricted transatlantic market from London Heathrow but until the Bermuda II agreement between the US and UK governments is altered we are prevented from doing so.”

bmi british midland will commence its first scheduled transatlantic service from Manchester to Washington Dulles International Airport on 12 May 2001 followed by services to Chicago O’Hare in June.

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