Manchester hub for BA expansion
BUSINESS travellers in the north west received a boost today when British Airways unveiled extra flights between Manchester and destinations throughout Europe.
The carrier is adding weekday frequencies to Paris, Rome, Stuttgart, Hanover, Oslo, Copenhagen and the Isle of Man. It is doubling capacity to Venice, Pisa and Vienna by using larger jets.
BA said the improvements underline its commitment to the region, and are a further sign of an upturn in the corporate travel market.
All the flights are operated by BA's CitiExpress arm. Steve Cassidy, its commercial general manager, said: "We are giving business people what they want - more choice and greater flexibility."
Weekday flights to Copenhagen only began late last year but will be increased from two to three.
There will be an extra service each weekday to the destinations on the continent, and two additional ones to the Isle of Man.
Mr Cassidy said: "Manchester is a key hub for us and these extra flights underline our commitment to the airport and the business community."
BA faces competition on some routes. German low-cost carrier Hapag-Lloyd Express is to operate four services a week to Stuttgart from April, with fares from £27.99 each way, including taxes. Stuttgart is a major commercial centre for sectors such as publishing and manufacturing.
Mr Cassidy said BA had its own range of low fares, with seat allocation, food and drinks included on all flights.
BA is testing a new business class service on overnight flights. It includes a glass of warm milk before bed, and an all-night deli for passengers who get hungry during the small hours.
BUSINESS class cabins are being reintroduced on Swiss flights throughout Europe in response to customer demand. The airline, which operates twice-daily services to Manchester from Basle and Zurich, will restore the two-class configuration on its 50-seater European fleet from next month.
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Manchester hub for BA expansion
BUSINESS travellers in the north west received a boost today when British Airways unveiled extra flights between Manchester and destinations throughout Europe.
