bmi regional, the UK-based airline, is looking to expand its services in the Scandinavian market with the launch of scheduled services from Stavanger to Kristiansund and Gothenburg.
The new services will start from January 23, 2014 with Stavanger – Gothenburg operating a daily service Sunday to Friday, and Stavanger – Kristiansund operating daily Monday to Friday. The two routes are to complement bmi regional’s established services from Aberdeen to Oslo and Kristiansund and the new routes announced from Stavanger to Harstad-Narvik Airport (Evenes) and Tromso starting January 23, 2014.
Cathal O’Connell, chief executive of bmi regional, said: ‘The additional connectivity that we are providing out of Stavanger will further enhance our offering to the people, communities and businesses that we serve in Norway and Sweden. We anticipate that the new routes will attract both business and leisure traffic and support socio-economic development in the region.’
Airport Director, Stavanger, Leif Lorentzen, said: ‘Improved connectivity between Stavanger and Kristiansund has been on the regions wish list three years in a row – we know that the increased schedule will be welcome by the Stavanger and Kristiansund business community.
Ole Kristian Pettersen, Airport Director, Kristiansund Airport, said: ‘Increased connectivity for the oil and gas industries in Stavanger and Kristiansund has been on the agenda for several years. The introduction of bmi regional on this route will give both the business and leisure markets in both regions new and improved opportunities. We look forward to welcoming bmi regional with a second route from Kristiansund in less than 6 months.’
bmi regional has recently made other major route announcements in Norway, with Aberdeen to Kristiansund launched in August and Stavanger to Harstad-Narvik Airport (Evenes) and Tromso as well as Aberdeen to Oslo launched in October. The airline will commence a Newcastle – Brussels service in March next year.
bmi regional operates an 18-strong, all jet fleet serving 21 destinations in eight countries. It was named Silver Airline of the Year at the annual European Regions Airline Association (ERAA) awards in October.