Punctuality crown claimed by bmi

The first quarter of 2007 saw bmi come top for airline punctuality in the UK, according to new research.

Civil Aviation Authority figures analysed by Flightontime.info show that 80 per cent of bmi flights were on time at Heathrow Airport, with average delays totalling ten minutes. This is compared with British Airways being ranked in 21st place and Virgin Atlantic coming 26th.

Across the UK, 92 per cent of bmi's services were on time, with delays lasting an average of six minutes, the airline said.

"We know from extensive research that punctuality is of paramount importance to our passengers, particularly those travelling for business purposes," commented Nigel Turner, chief executive officer of bmi.

Earlier this week, the carrier announced that it is to expand its fleet and add ten planes to implement a new mid and long-haul flight strategy. Once the new aircraft have been delivered, the airline's fleet will consist of 75 planes in total.

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