Hellenic Imperial Airways and Birmingham International Airport have announced that from Saturday 25th July a new weekly service will begin between Birmingham and Athens, with onward connections to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
p>Hellenic Imperial Airways and Birmingham International Airport have announced that from Saturday 25th July a new weekly service will begin between Birmingham and Athens, with onward connections to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
This service is hoped to increase to a twice weekly service in August, subject to demand.
The Greek airline will arrive into Birmingham on Saturdays at 19:00 and depart back to Athens and Jeddah at 22:00.
On Mondays, the airline will arrive into Birmingham at 17:00, departing back to Athens and Jeddah at 22:00 the following day.
The Chairman of Hellenic Imperial Airways, Talal Abureyal, said: ?Birmingham is our first UK airport and we are very excited about launching services in the Midlands. Athens, which is our HQ, is not currently served from Birmingham so we expect that our flights will be welcomed by those travelling for business and leisure, in particular those visiting friends and relatives.?
Marc Watkins, Birmingham Airport?s Market Development Manager ? Aviation, said: ?We welcome this development, particularly in today?s challenging economic climate. There is a market for Athens in the Midlands and the convenient schedule will suit those flying on business and leisure to both Greece and the Middle East. We urge those who would normally travel to other UK airports outside the region to now choose Hellenic from Birmingham to support this new venture.?
Theo Silvestros, Commercial Manager, Hellenic Imperial Airways, said: ?As the principal gateway to Mecca, the Jeddah flights to be used by many Pilgrims wanting to access Islam's holiest city, and with such competitive prices Midlands people will be able to start this important journey from their doorstep.? Return flights start from ?199 (plus taxes) to Athens and ?399 (plus taxes) to Jeddah.
Tickets can be booked through www.hellenicairways.com or by calling Hellenic Imperial on 0121-635 5796 and Fax: 0121-635 5797.
