The first flight from Bristol Airport to Hamburg by bmi regional took place this morning – strengthening trade links between the two cities.
Landing at the German city on time to a sunny but chilly morning – the temperature at the airport was minus-5 degrees – the Bristol delegation of VIPs on the inaugural flight was greeted by Michael Eggenschwiler, the airport's chief excecutive.
Among those on the flight were bmi regional chairman Ian Woodley and representatives of Imperial Tobacco and Airbus – two major Bristol-based firms with existing links in Hamburg. They were joined by Bristol Business News’ award-winning travel editor Anne Gorringe.
Bmi regional, Bristol Airport and Bristol Chamber of Commerce believe the direct link between the city and Hamburg will strengthen trade as well as boosting tourism links between the two historic merchant cities.
Hamburg becomes bmi regional’s 17th scheduled destination in total and second from Bristol. It will initially operate with five flights a week, increasing to 12 a week from April 8th.
Bmi regional launched its services from Bristol last year with a service to Aberdeen and will take its routes to three next month when it launches a six-per-week Frankfurt service.
Chief executive Cathal O’Connell said: “The launch of new services to Germany is a continuation of bmi regional’s promise to serve key economic and transport hubs to multiple destinations across Europe.”
She said Hamburg was chosen as it is a significant operational base for major West employers such as Airbus and Imperial Tobacco.
Launch fares start from £49.99 each way.
