Aer Lingus has hailed the launch of its first direct flight between the UK and US.
The Irish carrier served its first flight on the Manchester to New York JFK route on Wednesday, ahead of the launch of Manchester-Orlando services on December 11.
The two routes are part of “ambitious schedule plans” for 2022 as Aer Lingus expands its transatlantic services from the UK.
Reid Moody, chief strategy and planning officer, said: “Today marks a very important day for Aer Lingus, as we launch our first flights from the UK to the United States as we recover and expand our transatlantic network.
“It also marks another momentous moment for our new services from Manchester direct to the US, with flights to Orlando set to depart on their inaugural service on 11th December.
“Our New York and Orlando routes follow the launch of our new direct flights to Barbados on 20th October, which will run until April 2022, before returning the following winter.”
Karen Smart, Manchester Airport managing director, said: “It’s incredibly pleasing to see Aer Lingus launch its New York service, which will give passengers more choice when looking to travel to what is one of our most popular destinations.
“The fact Aer Lingus has chosen Manchester Airport as its first UK base for transatlantic flights is a great boost for the region, creating hundreds of jobs in the process.”
She added: “Aer Lingus’ transatlantic routes will no doubt be hugely popular with the 22 million people that live in our catchment area, especially now the US has opened up to British travellers.”