Transatlantic flights between Manchester and the US are taking off today for the first time in almost two years.
Virgin Atlantic followed its return to New York from Heathrow alongside British Airways with Orlando and New York departures from Manchester airport.
Flights to Houston by Singapore Airlines will follow on December 1 and to Atlanta by Virgin Atlantic on December 2.
Manchester airport managing director Karen Smart said: “After almost two years with no flights to the USA, it is great to finally re-connect the region with some of our most popular and important destinations.
“Not only are our US routes well loved by holidaymakers, but they are also vital to the Northern economy and the prosperity of the region.
“Whether that is through the trade and investment opportunities the direct connectivity unlocks, to the inbound tourism the routes bring in, as Americans flock to key destinations like the Lake District, North Wales and York, plus to city breaks favourites like Liverpool and Manchester.
“I look forward to working closely with our airline partners as more services come back to Manchester, plus I would encourage businesses and other organisations with links to the US to get in touch so we can help them unlock their potential through our international reach.”
Jason Oshiokpekhai, managing director of Global Travel Collection UK, said: “Today celebrates a pivotal moment in our industry’s recovery story. The travel corridor between world leading nations unlocks and with it delivers emotional reunions, pent-up economic exchange and conviction for the future of our industry.
“Across the Internova Travel Group, we have been tirelessly advocating for the reopening of travel. It is even more gratifying to see that today’s flights are not just a milestone for recovery but mark the beginning of addressing sustainable flight options as we see the Transatlantic routes operating with more sustainable equipment and fuel.”
But he added: “Our industry has been revived – but we cannot be complacent. Operating globally on fragmented travel structures is not viable for long-term recovery.
“This is an opportunity for the UK and US governments to pioneer a safe and seamless travel blueprint that can be easily adopted worldwide for a united approach to international travel.”
Hilton EMEA president Simon Vincent added: “Since news broke of the planned reopening of US borders, we’ve seen a surge of interest from European and UK guests planning to visit our US hotels.
“Hilton search data reveals the extent of that demand, with a 63% increase in digital reservations in the five weeks following the news of plans to ease restrictions.
“We’ve seen similar trends across Europe, with inbound demand from US guests growing as travel rules have lifted.
“The reopening of the US border signals the next important phase of recovery for the industry, and we look forward to welcoming a new dawn of international travel.”