It's Bristol (BRS). They have been after a direct New York link for several years and are putting a lot of work into drumming up support with the local business community.
I still wonder about the runway length but it would seem this has been taken into consideration. EWR is the likely US airport if this ever happens.
This press release was issued a couple of weeks ago:
Bristol International Airport has returned from the USA following promising talks with both Continental Airlines and American Airlines, to secure the airport’s first transatlantic route.
Discussions between the US airlines and Bristol International focussed on the introduction of a non-stop flight to New York by Summer 2005.
Commenting on the outcome of the trip Tony Hallwood, Aviation Development Director at Bristol, said:
“Both American Airlines and Continental Airlines responded very positively to the data and presentations provided by the airport and, as a direct result, they have now agreed to undertake in-depth route evaluations. Given that the West of England has the largest unserved catchment area to the USA in Western Europe, and that a projected figure of 100,000 passengers would use a direct flight from Bristol International each year, we are confident that Bristol stands an excellent chance of becoming the UK’s next transatlantic gateway.”
Further discussions are expected to take place between Bristol International and the two US airlines in the Spring, following the outcome of their route evaluations.
US route facts:
Bristol International Airport’s research shows that:
- 139,000 people from the region currently fly from London to the USA each year
- A direct daily flight from Bristol to the US would bring 315,000 North American passengers to South West region each year
- As well as providing superb links for the region’s businesses, it is predicted that each US visitor to the South West would spend around £500 on transport, hotels, and leisure whilst in the region, and that the total contribution to the region could be £12 million each year.