Bmi adds Cairo
UK carrier bmi plans to launch services to Cairo in late October and codeshare with EgyptAir on the route. The new route is part of bmi's plan to improve services to the Middle East following its acquisition earlier this year of BMed, a British Airways franchise. BMed now serves Alexandria in Egypt and several destinations in the Middle East.
1time completes IPO
The parent of South African low-cost carrier 1time Airline raised 60 million rand ($8 million) through a private placement prior to an initial public offering in August. Some of the funds will be used to expand the carrier through the acquisition of additional aircraft. 1time began operations in early 2004 and now serves eight domestic routes. 1time Holdings, which is now trading on the Johannesburg stock exchange, also plans to double hangar capacity at its Aeronexus Technical maintenance subsidiary.
Tunisair regional rebrand
Tunisair has rebranded its regional operation Tuninter under the new name Sevenair as the carrier grows its regional fleet. Two additional aircraft, a 70-seat ATR 72-500 and a Bombardier CRJ900 were added in July. The CRJ is the first regional jet in the Tunisair Group's fleet. Sevenair will operate to domestic destinations including Monastir, Djerba, Sfax, Tozeur, Gafsa and Tabarka as well as a handful of international routes to Malta, Tripoli and Palermo.
Qatar adds Indian routes
Qatar Airways is increasing capacity between Qatar and India by 25% with the launch of two new routes. Nagpur services will be launched in late September and Ahmedabad services in mid-December. Qatar already operates 42 weekly flights to six Indian cities and this will grow to 51 by year-end.
Sama expands
Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier Sama has launched services to Abha, its sixth domestic destination. The carrier is serving Abha from its Damman base and from Riyadh. Sama, which launched services in March, now operates 210 flights per week. Its other three destinations are Jeddah, Al Madinah and Jizan.
Source: Airline Business
