Airline announces new Polish flights

Mar 9 2007 By Edward Stephens, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM International Airport has attracted yet another low cost carrier - this time operating flights to Warsaw.

Norwegian is Scandinavia's largest low cost carrier and will initially operate flights three times a week to Poland's capital, increasing to four from May 4.

It aims to appeal to both the Midlands business community, which can take advantage of the direct link and frequency of service, as well as leisure travellers looking for city breaks.

It will also serve the growing Polish community in the Midlands.

Peter Vella, the airport's business development director, said: "We are pleased to welcome Norwegian, our eighth low cost airline, to Birmingham International Airport."

He said business customers could now open new doors to trade and investment opportunities.

Norwegian's chief executive, Bjorn Kjos, said: "We are confident this new route from Warsaw, the capital of Poland, to England's second city will be popular with both business and leisure passengers.

"This new route further strengthens our current position of the 'most dynamic carrier' operating from Warsaw F. Chopin Airport - an honorary title we were awarded last month.

"We look forward to working with Birmingham Airport to make this route a success."

Sam Warnock, of Heart of England Tourism, welcomed the latest link with Poland.

"There is a growing Polish population in the region and this new link will ensure that visiting friends and relatives can access the heart of England directly, and experience iconic attractions such as Staatford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, Wedgwood Visitor Centre and the World Heritage site at Ironbridge Gorge," he said.

"This can only be good news for increasing Polish visitors to our region," Mr Warnock added.