Airline bmi regional has launched new departures to Aberdeen and Bristol, while also confirming it will maintain the entire 2011 winter schedule.

The carrier, which was created following the takeover of parent BMI by British Airways parent IAG earlier this year, has a base in Aberdeen.

bmi regional confirmed it will fly now twice daily between Aberdeen and Bristol, and also between Manchester and Antwerp in Belgium.

The airline has also announced it has taken on 20 more staff at East Midlands Airport with 20 more being recruited.

It is renting new headquarters there, in preparation for a formal split from IAG on October 28th.

The carrier has also taken on M&C Saatchi as its advertising agency.

It will now be promoted under the logo ‘Streamlined for Business’.

Ian Woodley, the airline’s chairman, said: “We believe the introduction of these new routes alongside maintaining our existing services demonstrates a clear statement of our intent to develop the business, and the additional flights will offer customers greater choice and flexibility when travelling directly as well as providing additional onward connectivity.”