British Midland Tribute
Introduction:
On the 19th February 2009, bmi confirmed the long time rumour that they are to drop the Durham Tees Valley-London Heathrow route after almost 40 years. Due to the length of time they've been here, and the important role they've played at DTVA over the years, it was decided that we should make these few 'tribute' pages.
Their decision to leave came just prior to their new owners Lufthansa taking charge, so you have to wonder what would have happened had they taken charge sooner, although the fate of the route probably would have remained the same. We haven't seen the last of them yet though, as they will be operating a charter flight to Palma during the Summer.
History of the Route:
In late 1964 BKS commenced a commercial passenger service to Heathrow using AS57 Airspeed Ambassador aircraft, affectionately called "Lizzies", in 1966 the Bristol Britannia aircraft took over and was used until late 1968 when BEA bought out BKS and the Vickers Vanguard aircraft flew the route. Autair had a spell flying the service but it was then Brititish Midland Airways (now bmi) that would fly the route for many years until it was cancelled for good??. With many brand changes taking place throughout the four decades - on our side, Teesside Airport added 'International' into its name, before changing completely to Durham Tees Valley back in 2003. British Midland Airways became just British Midland, before a full rebrand back in 2001 which saw them become bmi British Midland, before shortening it to just bmi a year later.
The airline provided us with a great deal of business over the years, with the London Heathrow route being seen as our primary and most important connection and at one stage, was bmi's most profitable domestic route, ahead of the likes of Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow Int'l. We've seen every single division of the group operating into DTVA at some point as well - Business Air with the Saab 340s, bmi regional with the Embraer's, BMED with extra A320 series aircraft, and of course, bmibaby with their short-lived base operation. We can only hope that one day a London route will return, and perhaps it will be bmi returning to do it once the situation at Heathrow improves.
Credits: Robert Smith (tribute creator), Chris Smith (tribute editor)
Contributions: Richard Bowater (photos and info), Martin Chapple (info), Scott Cooper (info), Ian Ellington (photos and info), Matt Falcus (photos), Jon Irwin (photos), Ian McMaster (photos), Stuart Reid (photos), Andrew Shaw (info), Bob Spooner (photos) & Aidan Williamson (photos)
If we've missed anyone off the credits/contributions, please let us know so we can add you.