Improved service follows successful launch.

Birmingham Airport is set for another business boost following an announcement by Aegean Airlines, Greece’s largest carrier and a Star Alliance member, that they will be increasing capacity on their Athens route in summer 2015 by 8,500 seats after launching the service in June this year.

Operating each Wednesday and Sunday between April and October 2015, the Birmingham-Athens service not only provides passengers with a direct link to the Greek capital but also onward connectivity throughout the Greek islands and mainland Greece on Aegean’s extensive network.

The flights will operate using 168-seat Airbus A320 aircraft, offering a dual class configuration and full onboard service, which includes complimentary food and drink.

William Pearson, Aviation Development Director at Birmingham Airport, said, “It’s no surprise that this Athens service from Birmingham has been such a success as it provides direct access to Athens and choice across the Greek Islands, which are hugely popular with British tourists.

“We are therefore delighted that the team at Aegean has not only recognized the demand in the Midlands region to recommence services in April but also increase capacity over the summer months from Birmingham.”

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy, home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum; it is widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Today, a cosmopolitan metropolis, modern Athens is central to economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural life in Greece.

Flights are available to book now via www.aegeanair.com or through travel agents, with a lead in round trip fare in April and May 2015 costing £113.38 including taxes.

Business class passengers and Gold card members have business lounge access at Birmingham Airport and Gold card members are also eligible for extra baggage allowance.

The announcement follows news that the airport is set for a record-breaking year after posting further increased passenger numbers in October.