Member Article

Business travellers to benefit from Newcastle Airport’s US transatlantic take off

Final preparations are underway ahead of the launch of the first US transatlantic scheduled service from Newcastle International Airport on 23 May. The United Airlines service to New York commences in just one month’s time.

As the final countdown begins, thousands of eager holidaymakers and business travellers have already booked on the service, which is running five days a week to the Big Apple.

David Laws, Chief Executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: “With just one month to go until the first flight on 23 May, preparations are well underway as we gear up for the arrival of United Airlines at Newcastle.

“United has a significant number of staff based in the UK and the US planning the operation of the new service this summer. The route will operate five times a week between 23 May and 7 September.

“The team planning the service have been covering all the different areas needed to establish the service including maintenance, catering, passenger handling services, cargo, flight operations and crew accommodation. There’s a lot of planning behind the scenes for all new services and this one is extra special.

“A small team from United Airlines will be in Newcastle shortly prior to launch, for dry runs and to help the staff based here become comfortable with handling the new flight. This will be their fourth visit ahead of the route launch to ensure everything is perfect for our passengers.

“In addition to UK residents travelling on to North America for business or for leisure, the service makes the North East of England much more accessible for inbound travel from the States, and we are working with partners over there to promote the route.

“We have also been promoting the new service across the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire through visits to travel agencies, advertising and through some sponsorship deals within and outside the airport. It is now really down to the region to take advantage of this fantastic service so that United Airlines return and expand the operation in 2016.”

The number one destination is New York, but the service is proving popular for trips to Florida, Las Vegas, Chicago, Washington, Boston, Toronto, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In all, over 300 onward connections are available via Newark.

David Laws adds: “Passengers are making the most of United’s excellent route network to connect onto numerous further afield destinations. Some travellers are even using the flight to reach Hawaii. If you fancy visiting the United States and Canada this summer whether to tour, visit friends or family or laze in the sun, it’s not too late to book. Now is a good time to leap into action and visit your local travel agent either for a package holiday or a tailor made holiday.”

“With the launch of our Newcastle-New York flights only one month away, the excitement is building here at United,” said Bob Schumacher, United’s Managing Director Sales – U.K. and Ireland. “We look forward to welcoming customers on board the first-ever scheduled nonstop flights from North East England to the U.S. this summer.”