British Airways purchases six daily London Heathrow slots from bmi British Midland International

International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) approved (23-Sep-2011) the acquisition by British Airways of six daily slot pairs at London Heathrow International Airport from bmi British Midland International for an undisclosed sum.

IAG stated British Airways will hold 45% of the slots at the airport after the purchase, up from 44%. Iberia also holds 1% of the total slots and bmi held 8.2% of total slots prior to the sale, making it the second largest operator at the airport. The new slots will be used by British Airways from late Oct-2011, on both long- and short-haul services. Three years ago, Continental Airlines reportedly paid GBP136 million for four pairs of slots at the airport. [more - original PR]