bmi, the UK’s second largest full service scheduled airline, is to operate direct flights from Manchester to Toronto from 25 April in cooperation with Air Canada, making it the biggest UK provider of transatlantic scheduled services from the regions.
Air Canada currently operate the route, although will be pulling out to allow bmi to start the service using a bmi operated Airbus A330. The service will initially operate four times a week, increasing to daily from 27 May for the peak of the summer season.
With the introduction of a bmi Airbus A330 onto the joint operation, passengers on the route will, for the first time, have a choice of three cabins – the business, new economy and economy – award winning products with well-established and proven passenger appeal.
Great news for bmi, and Manchester Airport!
By: green320 - 31st January 2004 at 22:14
G-WWBD at the moment is a backup aircraft for the other 2. It is occasionally used when one of the other two goes in for maintenance. It is confirmed however that this aircraft will be operating the YYZ route in Star Alliance colours.
By: G-OJET - 31st January 2004 at 21:53
Yes, AC are to code-share on the route. It will be a BD aircraft though (flight number BD713 already allocated in line with other transatlantic routes). Sorry if my original post was unclear.
Last time I saw G-WWBD, it was in plain white with just a Star Alliance tail. I’m presuming it’ll be back in something more appropriate soon! 😉
The A330’s do tend to rotate around from route to route though as one goes in for maintenance every Tuesday as the IAD service doesn’t operate on that day.
By: ACA345 - 31st January 2004 at 21:43
Originally posted by green320
This Toronto service will be operated by G-WWBD which has not long come back from South Africa where it has been on lease to SAA.
The one that is in partial Star colors? No?
By: green320 - 31st January 2004 at 21:41
This Toronto service will be operated by G-WWBD which has not long come back from South Africa where it has been on lease to SAA.
By: ACA345 - 31st January 2004 at 21:38
Originally posted by greekdude1
Did AC also operate the A330 on this route, albeit, the -300 series? Also, how were their load factors? Finally, how is Bmi doing on their MAN-ORD/IAD services?
MAN is operated by the 767 series(200ER, sometimes the 300ER) I believe. Not sure on the load factors.
It is said the AC has agreed to do a co-op. Is AC pulling out completely?
Opps, everyone just posted before me. Anyway my question still stands…
By: greekdude1 - 31st January 2004 at 21:38
I flew on an AC 767-200 from YYZ to YUL. only a 45 minute flight on a widebody. NICE!!:D
By: G-OJET - 31st January 2004 at 21:35
I have travelled on the AC service from MAN to YYZ. Its a 767-200 on the route, and the type they usually operate on domestic services with no Executive class. Its has the Executive seats, but they sell them as “Supercomfort” which is basically the seats, with the economy service!
As far as bmi’s current transatlantic routes are going, the ORD service always has a higher load than IAD. Maybe thats down to better connections available via ORD? I think the IAD is going to operate all year round from now on though. No mention of dropping it through the winter at the moment. The New Economy cabin seems to sell well as the upgrades aren’t that bad price wise through reservations.
By: LBARULES - 31st January 2004 at 21:34
AC operated the 767 on this route.
By: greekdude1 - 31st January 2004 at 21:29
Did AC also operate the A330 on this route, albeit, the -300 series? Also, how were their load factors? Finally, how is Bmi doing on their MAN-ORD/IAD services?
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January 31, 2004 at 9:23 pm