bmi, the business airline, has announced a second daily service between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv which will commence on 30 March 2009 on its A321 aircraft and will be upgraded onto its A330 aircraft from 3 May 2009.
 
Following high demand for its first daily service which launched last March, the additional flight will see bmi offer the first and last flight of the day from Tel Aviv to London Heathrow, offering greater flexibility and more convenient connections at both London Heathrow and Tel Aviv. Those travelling in Business Class can enjoy bmi's complimentary Chauffeur Drive service at both ends of the route from the start of March; and a chef onboard and fully-flat beds with 82 inches of legroom from the introduction of bmi's A330 aircraft from 3 May 2009. Customers looking for a premium experience at a value for money price can enjoy bmi's market leading Premium Economy product, with Business Class-style seats and 50 inches of legroom in a separate cabin with a dedicated inflight team.

All bmi flights operate from London Heathrow Terminal 1 - the home of bmi. Online check in is available for all customers as well as membership of Diamond Club, the UK?s most generous freqeunt flyer programme, and bmi's Company Rewards programme for SMEs.

Peter Spencer, managing director bmi commented: "Tel Aviv is one of our most successful routes and we are delighted to offer a second daily service. Since launching the route last year we have seen strong growth and know that by offering this extra return flight, we are giving our customers a real choice with greater flexibility especially for those connecting regionally from within the UK and/or flying onward to the USA.

Our A330 aircraft features an excellent Business Class service, including fully flat beds and complimentary Chauffeur Drive on selected fares as well as our world leading Premium Economy seats with 50 inches of legroom, 12 inches more than competitors. So customers can enjoy a premium travel experience and great value for money fares".

This announcement follows a series of market leading initiatives that has seen bmi become the first airline to abolish fuel surcharges on all flights to UK and European destinations. bmi was the first British airline to trial the OnAir service offering customers access to text messages and email and the first airline to offer paperless boarding on selected routes. Other recent news from bmi includes a new route to Kiev which will launch on 29 March 2009.