BMI Knock-Glasgow service takes off today

British Midland Ireland today begins services on its new Ireland-Scotland route from Knock International Airport, Co Mayo.

BMI will fly daily direct from Knock to Glasgow, offering both business and economy class cabins, using a 49-seater Embraer 145 aircraft.

The service will depart the West of Ireland airport at 2.40pm to arrive in Glasgow at 3.35pm.

The return leg leaves Glasgow at 1.10pm, arriving Knock at 2.10pm.

Alex Grant, managing director of bmi regional, said: "We are delighted to be launching the first scheduled service from Scotland to Knock International Airport, and believe that our all-jet product and two-class service will appeal to both business and leisure customers."

According to Desmond O'Flynn, Marketing and Sales Manager at Knock Airport: "The traditional links existing between Ireland and Scotland will be further strengthened by the introduction of this new bmi route and will be of particular benefit to trade and tourism in the region.

"We anticipate that the service will bring up to 30,000 additional passengers per annum to and from the region. Knock International Airport is the pivotal airport in the BMW region and we are delighted to be working with an international airline of bmi's stature," O'Flynn added.

The new service forms part of a broader investment by bmi in the west of Ireland.

BMI baby recently announced that it will operate daily direct services between Knock airport and Nottingham East Midlands airport from April 30.

BMI baby is also due to start a new route from Knock to Manchester at the end of the month.