Newcastle International Airport announced today that American Airlines, the world’s largest airline, is to operate a new daily, scheduled service to New York’s John F. Kennedy airport c.Ê Commencing May 2006., This will be the first non-stop scheduled link between the two cities.
The new service to New York will be operated by American Airlines using Boeing 757 aircraft offering an all-economy class service with 188 seats. American Airlines, the world’s largest airline, will link the two cities with a non-stop service for the first time in the airport’s history.
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Speaking at the launch announcement, John Parkin, Chief Executive of Newcastle International commented, “American Airlines’ new service to The New York route is of great significance, both regionally and internationally. The North East region will now be directly connected with the single most important market in the world.”Ê
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“We know that there is a great demand for transatlantic service from the UK’s North East and we look forward to a long lasting relationship with this culturally and economically vibrant region,.” agreed said Craig Kreeger, American Airlines Vice President Europe & Pacific.Ê“The new service will provide a very convenient link for business and leisure travellers whose destination is New York or the xxx many destinations throughout the Americas and the Caribbean that we serve from there.”
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Regional development agency, One NorthEast has been working with Newcastle International to help bring forward the New York route, making the case for the investment and setting out how North East England can be promoted in the US.
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Margaret Fay, chairman of One NorthEast said: “This is a hugely important announcement for Newcastle and the wider region, both economically and in terms of boosting inbound tourism and trade.
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“Since the Government’s Air Transport White Paper there has been increased awareness of the importance of aviation to regional economic development, competitiveness and prosperity.
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“One NorthEast’s response has been to develop a North East Route Development Programme to help both the region’s airports bring forward new air routes which contribute directly to international trade and investment and inbound tourism.”

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The New York route is the next step in an ever growing network of routes for Newcastle International as it strives to offer passengers more choice. It reinforces the airport’s position as the fastest growing regional airport in the UK, with global airlines such as American Airlines choosing Newcastle to operate from.ÊÊ
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John Parkin added, “It is a credit to the North East and a huge coup for Newcastle International to be able to compete for and win this landmark new route with such a major airline as American Airlines.”
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Karen Buck, UK Aviation Minister, said, ÊÊ“I welcome this announcement.Ê It is excellent news for the economy of the region and for passengers wishing to fly directly between the North East and the US.Ê It also shows clearly how the Government’s policy of supporting the development of regional airports is producing results on the ground, with tangible benefits for the regions they serve.”
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