Bmi is dropping business class on UK and Ireland routes from Heathrow this month.
A single economy cabin will be offered with an “enhanced service” for passengers travelling on Flexible Economy fares from January 27.
They will have no flight change fees, use of business lounges, guaranteed seating at the front of the aircraft and complimentary food and drink on board.
The new in flight offering will include produce including 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 travellers will also benefit from lower rate Air Passenger Duty.
Those with economy tickets will continue have free checked baggage to a total weight of 20kg, online check-in and access to business lounges for Gold and Silver Diamond Club members.
Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase on board.
Bmi managing director Dominic Paul said: ‘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.”
*The airline is also launching Heathrow-Vienna service from March 28 in conjunction with Star Alliance partner Austrian Airlines.
This will increase the combined Bmi/Austrian Airlines frequencies between the two cities to five daily services.
by Phil Davies
