BMI Regional on August 28 will launch the first-ever route between Aberdeen, U.K. and Kristiansund, Norway,

two of the most important locations for the European oil and gas industry. The airline said the route is part of a strategy to establish direct links between key European industry locations ignored by larger carriers. British Airways and Iberia owner IAG sold BMI Regional to independent owners in June 2012, shortly after acquiring British Midland International from Lufthansa.