Low cost airline Jet2.com is set to launch new transatlantic flights to New York and Boston, offering its services to holidaymakers in the north of England and Scotland.
The airline is set to run a series of direct flights and package holidays to the US in spring next year, flying from the Leeds Bradford and Newcastle airports to New York, and from Leeds Bradford and Glasgow to Boston. It will also provide a service from Leeds Bradford and Newcastle to Toronto, Canada.
While only six flights are scheduled presently, the airline said it would consider introducing the services on a permanent basis if the demand was high. The airline briefly ran a service to New York last November, but Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com, said that the latest move was a ‘milestone’.
The new flight schedule announced includes:
New York – three-night Easter breaks departing from Leeds Bradford and Newcastle airport on April 17.
Boston – four-night break from Glasgow for St Patrick’s Weekend, departing on March 14, and a three-night break from Leeds Bradford departing on April 3.
Toronto – three-night break departing on April 10 from Leeds Bradford and Newcastle.
No airlines currently fly direct from Glasgow, Leeds Bradford or Newcastle to North America. Presently travellers in Scotland and the north of England fly via London, paying Air Passenger Duty twice, or rely on limited services from Manchester.
Steve Heapy, chief executive of the airline, said: ‘We are thrilled to be the very first holiday company to give people direct access to these exciting transatlantic destinations from Leeds, Glasgow and Newcastle.’
‘The addition of these three routes reinforces our commitment to our regional customers,’ he added.