UK regional carrier bmi regional has this month started operating domestic flights with Sweden as part of a business partnership with the private virtual business, Flyglinjen. bmi regional is operating three rotations per day on a six times weekly basis between Kristianstad and Stockholm Arlanda using a 49-seater Embraer ERJ 145.
“bmi regional has an excellent track record in flying on behalf of other carriers through wet-lease operations and as a standalone independent operator, we are continuing to develop our wet-lease business,” said Cathal O’Connell, chief executive officer, bmi regional. “The success of this deal with Flyglinjen paves the way for similar airline relationships elsewhere, as our reputation for operational excellence and our great brand really sets us apart.”
Under the terms of the ten month flying partnership, launched on August 12, 2013, bmi regional is providing an aircraft - with pilots, cabin crew and support - to Flyglinjen to support its operations. The aircraft will fly under the bmi regional Airline Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and will be operated by bmi regional crews and will be maintained by its engineers, while Flyglinjen will provide sales and ground services.
Flyglinjen was established in 2010 and has its base in the Swedish city of Jönköping. It is currently the sole carrier providing scheduled flights from Kristianstad following the collapse of Swedish regional carrier Skyways in May 2012. The largest passenger flows from the former garrison town, now a commercial city attracting visitors from the northeastern Scania, western Blekinge and northern Österlen, has always been the capital Stockholm. In 2012 an estimated 32,000 bidirectional O&D passenger flew on the route and up until now Flyglinjen has been utilizing Jetstream32s from AIS Airlines and Avies, a Saab 340 from SkyTaxi Poland and most recently a Fokker 50 from Minoan Air.
“Flyglinjen is delighted that bmi regional will operate our route from Kristianstad to Arlanda. The change from a Fokker 50 to an Embraer ERJ 145 brings many advantages to our customers such as a reduced flight time as well as a more comfortable and quiet experience,” said Philip Lofgren, chief executive officer, Flyglinjen.
“In addition, the reduced flight time will significantly improve our flight schedule, which has been well received by the local business community. We look forward to working with bmi regional and are confident that our partnership will have a positive effect on customer satisfaction and passenger growth,” he added.
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