Britain, Israel agreed to increase London-Tel Aviv flights

Britain and Israel reached an agreement last Tuesday for each country to allow a second airline to fly the London-Tel Aviv route
 
Currently only British Airways and El Al make such commercial flights. The Israeli Transportation Ministry called the agreement "a significant step toward opening the skies to competition."
 
A spokesman for Britain's Department for Transport said Bmi is the only British airline that has expressed interest in competing with BA on the route. The British carrier Bmi said on Tuesday it intends to launch a daily nonstop flight from London Heathrow to Tel Aviv next spring.
 
Bmi, Heathrow's second-largest airline behind British Airways, said in a statement that its intention to start flights to Tel Aviv stems from a successful outcome of talks between the Israeli and British governments on allowing a second UK and Israeli carrier to fly between Heathrow and Ben-Gurion International Airport.
 
Nigel Turner, chief executive officer of Bmi said: “Bmi will be bringing to this market its reputation of delivering a superior product, both on the ground and in the air, for business and leisure traveler alike, as well as a range of highly competitive fares. Travelers choosing to fly with us will also benefit from flying with Heathrow’s most punctual airline, as well as being able to become a member of our diamond club, which is the UK’s most generous frequent flyer program”.
 
The launch of the new service will bring the total number of destinations operated by Bmi from Heathrow to 39.The Israeli Transportation Ministry said it has not yet chosen a second Israeli airline for the London-Tel Aviv route.