bmi, the UK`s second largest full-service scheduled airline, has extended its relationship with The European Tour by becoming Official Airline to three of the most prestigious events on The European Tour International Schedule.
Following the success of last year`s agreement to become Official Airline to the Smurfit European Open, bmi will, in 2003, enjoy the same status for the Volvo PGA Championship at Wentworth Club and The Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.

The 2003 edition of the Volvo PGA Championship takes place from May 22-25, when many of the world`s most prominent golfers will be seeking to capture this prestigious title which has been won in the past by many of the great champions in European golf including Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, José Maria Olazábal and Ian Woosnam.

Widely acknowledged as the flagship event on The European Tour, the Volvo PGA Championship title is currently held by Anders Hansen, who, in 2002, became the first Danish player to become champion with a superb five shot victory at Wentworth Club.

bmi launched its association with The European Tour last year by supporting the Smurfit European Open at The K Club in County Kildare, Ireland.Ê By becoming Official Airline to the Volvo PGA Championship and The Barclays Scottish Open, the company is linked with three of the biggest and most highly esteemed tournaments on The European Tour International Schedule.

bmi will be the preferred carrier for players and media on its routes to and from Heathrow, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paris and Madrid amongst others. In addition, there will be a dedicated bmi booking facility within the Players` Lounge at the Volvo PGA Championship, providing the competitors with the ability to book or change flights.

Austin Reid, chief executive officer of bmi, said: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with The European Tour and become Official Airline to the Volvo PGA Championship and the Barclays Scottish Open. bmi is proud to be associated with three of Europe`s premier golfing tournaments, and we look forward to playing a part in their on-going success and welcoming players, media, officials and fans on board.”

George O`Grady, deputy executive director of The European Tour, said: “Following the tremendous success of bmi`s involvement in the Smurfit European Open, The European Tour is delighted to further enhance its relationship with the airline.

“The Volvo PGA Championship has long been associated with quality and the three year agreement to become Official Airline to the Volvo PGA Championship brings together two premium brands and provides a valued service to the players who make the event one of the finest and most popular on The European Tour International Schedule.

“We were delighted when the Scottish OpenÊ returned to The European Tour International Schedule two years ago and with Barclays as title sponsor and now with aÊ brand leader in bmi as Official Airline, we have a product of which we can be rightly proud.”

——-