> Business Class replaced with a one-class, all Economy cabin with enhanced service for customers on Flexible Economy tickets

> Range of complimentary locally sourced British refreshments available on-board for Flexible Economy customers

bmi, British Midland International, has relaunched its short haul product across all UK & Ireland flights to and from London Heathrow. The roll-out of the new product sees greater consistency and simplicity across the bmi route network on UK & Ireland flights, with the introduction of a single Economy cabin and an enhanced service for customers travelling on Flexible Economy fares.

Customers travelling on Flexible Economy fares benefit from no change fees, use of business lounges at both ends of the route, guaranteed seating at the front of the aircraft and complimentary food and drink onboard. The new inflight offering includes locally sourced, fresh British produce including healthy roast British beef and horseradish sandwiches or West Country cheese and pickle sandwiches throughout the day as well as a full bar and a hot breakfast in the morning. Flexible Economy customers also benefit from lower rate Air Passenger Duty (APD). As a result of the changes, bmi no longer offers a separate Business Class cabin on UK & Ireland routes.

Customers travelling on Economy tickets continue to enjoy bmi full service benefits such as free checked baggage to a total weight of 20kg, online check-in and access to bmi’s business lounges for Gold and Silver Diamond Club members. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board.

The new product was launched just last month and is available to book now. The one cabin product offers customers the benefits and flexibility of a business class ticket, without the price tag.

Dominic Paul, Managing Director bmi commented, "We have relaunched bmi’s UK & Ireland product in response to customer feedback to meet their needs in a changing marketplace. Customers travelling on our higher fares value business lounges, a seat at the front of the aircraft and complimentary food and drink but most no longer have business class travel policies for short flight travel. We have created a new service which delivers these important benefits, but on an all Economy aircraft, so they also benefit from a lower level of APD.

"We are committed to offering the best service at the best price for our customers and look forward to welcoming them on board our new Flexible Economy service. And for customers just looking for the cheapest fare from London Heathrow with the benefits of a full service airline, like free hold baggage allowance and pre-flight seat assignment we offer that too on our Economy fares."

To book on bmi please contact your Statesman Travel consultant.