bmibaby announces Cologne for winter 2010/11

bmibaby has launched phase one of its winter flying programme from Birmingham for 2010-2011 with six key domestic and city routes going on sale, including a brand new route to Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities.

Cologne will be popular with both business and leisure travellers and will be the only airline to offer Cologne from Birmingham. It is expected to carry approximately 33,000 passengers on the new service during the winter.

The new service will begin on 31 October 2010 and will operate daily except on Saturdays. The one way fare will be £24.99 including all taxes.

Phase two of the winter launch will go on sale within the next few weeks.

Other destinations that bmibaby will operate to this coming winter include: Amsterdam, Belfast International, Geneva and Ireland West Knock.

Julian Carr, commercial director, bmibaby, said:

“We are pleased to go on sale with phase one of our winter 2010/2011 flying programme today. This allows customers to book flights for travel up until 26 March 2011.

“We have decided to launch a new route to Cologne after listening to customer feedback, and because we want to expand the bmibaby brand into Germany. Cologne is a key business hub and this will allow the region to develop strong business links with Germany.

“We will be the only low cost carrier to operate this route from the airport, thereby opening up another country from the region at great low prices.

“We will be adding more flights and routes to our winter flying programme over the coming weeks.”

Paul Kehoe, CEO, Birmingham Airport, said:

“The launch of the first phase of bmibaby’s winter 2010/2011 programme is great news for passengers flying from Birmingham Airport and we are especially pleased to see a new Cologne service on offer. This is a destination not currently served from Birmingham and will once again increase the choice for the Midlands’ business and leisure travellers.”

Neil Rami, Chief Executive, Marketing Birmingham, said:

“As the city’s destination marketing partnership we have a strong relationship with bmibaby and welcome all new inbound flights in Birmingham. The announcement of new Cologne service is particularly welcome as Germany is a key market for business and leisure tourism for the city.”