FlyWho to start services from BHX to Orlando... Options

[Dan_Taylor]

FlyWho is a new long haul operator to start flying from Birmingham International Airport (UK) - EGBB to Orlando Sanford Itl, on Tuesdays and Saturdays and also to St petersburg/Tampa Bay each Thursday. It states it will offer the world's longest legroom, operating a 230 seat L1011-500 Tristar on the routes with a mixed cabin. Here's the entire article:

New Airline to Launch From Birmingham
 

Birmingham International Airport (BIA) has welcomed news that new long haul airline, Flywho, will launch its first ever flight from Birmingham on Saturday 8th July 2006 to America’s sunniest state, Florida. In conjunction with newly formed specialist tour operator, GoVisitAmerica.com, the Birmingham based venture will offer non-stop flights to Orlando-Sanford each Tuesday and Saturday, and to St Petersburg-Tampa Bay each Thursday.  

Founder and CEO of Flywho and GoVisitAmerica.com is local Birmingham entrepreneur, Aden Murcutt. He explains why he is launching this new enterprise, which will create around 50 new jobs including cabin crew, a sales team and ground staff:

“I’m giving a real commitment to the Midlands which, for too long now, has been underserved for long haul travel, particularly to the States. Each year around 1.6 million Britons travel to Florida, with well over 50,000 people owning properties there, mainly in Orlando, yet the Midlands is still extremely underserved for direct flights. However, from July 8th, this will change when I welcome my first customers aboard and launch Flywho.“


Flywho will operate a 230 seat L1011-500 Tristar aircraft with a mixed cabin. The Silver cabin (economy) will offer the world’s longest legroom, a 38 inch seat-pitch and 8 seats abreast and the Gold cabin (business/premium) will house a massive 45 inch and 6 abreast seat arrangement. Passengers can book mixed routes for outbound and return, with prices starting from £449 (inc tax) in the Silver cabin, and £759 (inc tax) in the Gold cabin.

Comfort is such an important element of travelling long-haul and Flywho’s concept offers a variety of key differences to improve customers’ journeys, including long leg room in both cabins, exceptional menus and fine wines, plus state-of-the-art individual entertainment systems for all passengers.  Those travelling in the Gold cabin can enjoy added benefits of dedicated check-in, increased luggage allowance, priority baggage service and executive lounge access. Children under 14 years will have their own menu and ‘kids’ pack, and all adults will receive a stylish amenity kit on board flights.

Customers wanting more than just flights can book a variety of other services, including accommodation, car hire, insurance and advance tickets to some of America’s most exciting attractions, through Flywho’s sole sales agent, GoVisitAmerica.com.  The new tour operator specialises in packages throughout America and assigns all customers with a dedicated travel account manager to understand their specific needs rather than using traditional reservation agents.


Richard Heard, Birmingham International Airport’s Managing Director, said, “We are thrilled to be the home for Flywho’s new operation. Aden and his team have done their homework and research shows that there’s a clear demand for this type of operation in the Midlands to complement our other long haul scheduled and charter services to America.  Aden and his team are really committed to making this new venture a success and to take away the hassle of travelling to other airports to reach Florida.”  

Those interested in booking flights can visit either www.govisitamerica.com or www.flywho.com, or alternatively call 0870 4999 767.  

Flights will operate as follows:  

Tuesdays & Thursdays:          

Birmingham – Orlando Sandford  

Depart Birmingham 13:30, arrive Orlando 18.15

 

Wednesday & Saturdays:      

Orlando Sandford – Birmingham

Depart Orlando 21.00 , arrive Birmingham 10:00

 

Thursdays                                

Birmingham – Clearwater/St Petersburg

Depart Birmingham 13:30, arrive Clearwater 18.15

 

Saturdays                              

Depart Clearwater 21.00, arrive Birmingham 10:00.

It seems Birmingham is the home base of this airline, and I really cannot wait to see the L1011 Tristar at Birmingham International Airport, as I haven't been on nor seen this aircraft 'in the flesh' so to speak :lol:

Congratulations to FlyWho on the new route, and congratulations to Birmingham Airport for bringing Florida closer to us Midlanders!



Dan.

*Source* www.bhx.co.uk

I've noticed that their website says they operate an Airbus A310, and they state their 8 abreast seating is good compared to most 'Airbus' operators 10 abreast. Yet in the article states they will be using a L1011-500 Tristar. Which one's correct??? Does anybody have any more information on this???