Aer Lingus has confirmed the start of transatlantic flights from Manchester airport this summer.
Up to 120 new cabin crew, maintenance, engineering and ground operations jobs are being created with the launch of services to the US and Caribbean.
The Irish carrier will serve New York JFK and Orlando from July 29, to Barbados from October 20 and to Boston from summer 2022.
New York and Boston will be operated by the new single-aisle Airbus A321LR aircraft.
Larger widebody A330 aircraft will be deployed on holiday routes such as Orlando and Barbados.
Summer fares start at £199 each-way to New York, as part of a return journey.
The New York JFK and Boston services will serve 58 onward points including Las Vegas, Nashville, Jamaica and to San Jose, Bermuda and Dallas for the first time from Manchester.
IAG-owned Aer Lingus is one of Manchester’s longest serving carriers, currently flying to Dublin and Belfast, with flights to Cork set to resume in the summer.
Chief commercial officer David Shepherdsaid:“We are delighted to offer high-quality, direct, non-stop, business and leisure travel options, at very reasonable prices for travellers and holidaymakers across the north of England.
“Aer Lingus has been flying to North America for more than 60 years and we also have a proud history with Manchester Airport.
“With so many people missing out on travel due to Covid-19 over the past year, Aer Lingus is delighted to be sharing this positive news today, announcing a great choice for customers and creating up to 120 jobs in the North of England.
“We believe our transatlantic offering is one of the best in the marketplace comprising both business and economy cabins.
“Equally our operation of the new and innovative Airbus A321LR aircraft marks a further milestone as Aer Lingus will be one of the first carriers to fly the aircraft between the UK and the US. We look forward to commencing our transatlantic services this summer.”
Manchester airport managing director Karen Smart added: “These routes will be a great addition to the departure boards here at Manchester as we look forward to restarting international travel.
“Pre-pandemic there were more than 5.5 million passengers who crossed the Atlantic each year via Manchester and so to be able to offer these services with a new carrier is great news.
“In addition, Aer Lingus’s commitment to the UK’s northern gateway results in the creation of 120 much-needed jobs.
“Aer Lingus’ commitment to these new services will be a real boost for those passengers we know are keen to start travelling as soon as the current restrictions can be lifted.
“This demonstration of pent-up demand is another reason why it is more important than ever that the government develops proposals to restart travel that are clear, uncomplicated and affordable.
“We eagerly await the findings of the Global Taskforce in April.”