Member Article

North East business boosted as United Airlines recommences Newcastle New York service

United Airlines has recommenced its six times weekly nonstop service between Newcastle and its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport.

The news had been widely received by North East business leaders, emphasising the importance the renewed deal play’s in boosting North East tourism and business links.

Nick Jones, Interim Chief Executive at Newcastle International Airport, explained: “I am delighted to welcome United Airlines back to Newcastle Airport. We worked extremely hard with our board members and regional partners to ensure the route was a success in its first year, and to secure a second year of operation.”

Jones added: “United is a major global operator and through its New York/Newark hub, connects the North East to hundreds of destinations across the North Americas including key cities such as Chicago, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orlando in the United States, and Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver in Canada.”

Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Securing the return of United Airlines’ direct transatlantic route is a huge success for the region.

“As well as giving people in the North East another exciting destination to enjoy from Newcastle Airport, the direct flight from New York means we can attract more visitors from right across the United States to NewcastleGateshead and North East England.

“To support the new route and help increase inbound passengers, we’ve been working in partnership with Newcastle Airport, United Airlines and national tourism agency VisitBritain to deliver a high profile marketing campaign in North America. As part of the Northern Tourism Growth Fund programme – a £10m Government fund to promote the North of England in key international markets – our activity included media visits, a social media campaign targeting people in the New York metropolitan area and a special partnership and feature on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council and lead of the LA7 shareholders said: “The return of United Airlines’ Newcastle to Newark flight is great news for travellers and the region.

“The team behind Newcastle International Airport and its shareholders work tirelessly to open up new markets for both our leisure and business customers. It is vital that we continue to target our efforts on routes that will further enhance regional connectivity, grow our economy, attract inward investment and encourage tourism.”

Schedule

The flights, spanning May 26 to Sep. 6, 2016, are operated by Boeing 757-200 aircraft with a total of 169 seats – 16 flat-bed seats in United BusinessFirst and 153 in United Economy, including 45 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and increased personal space.

Flight UA75 departs Newcastle daily at 9:10 a.m., except Wednesdays, arriving at New York/Newark at 11:55 a.m. the same day. The return flight, UA74, departs New York/Newark daily at 7:30 p.m., except Tuesdays, arriving in Newcastle at 7:30 a.m. the following day (all times local). Flight times are seven hours 45 minutes westbound and seven hours eastbound.