Airline unveils new service

Airline unveils new service

The new service will run during the summer

Plans for a new daily air service between Edinburgh and Jersey have been announced.

BMI Regional already runs seasonal Saturday-only flights between the two airports.

It now plans to operate a once daily service on the route during the summer, using a 49-seat Embraer jet aircraft.

BMI could also operate up to three flights a day on Saturdays during the summer peak period.

It is the first airline to receive funding through a £6.8m initiative launched by the Scottish Executive to encourage the introduction of new direct routes to airports north of the border.

Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Minister Iain Gray said: "I am delighted to welcome BMI's announcement, which will allow for the development of vital links between two of the UK's top financial centres, benefiting not just the people of Edinburgh but also the rest of Scotland.

"The fund has attracted keen interest from airports and airlines and has been welcomed by the industry.

"I am aware that BMI remains committed to developing further European routes from Scotland and we will continue to negotiate with them and other operators to ensure further new routes to and from Scotland are opened up."